Victor Wembanyama said he was stunned after the San Antonio Spurs squandered a 29-point lead in Game 4 of the NBA Finals and fell 107-106 to the New York Knicks. San Antonio controlled much of the first half, but the game unraveled after halftime as the Spurs managed only 30 points in the second half and could not hold off a relentless Knicks comeback.
After the loss, Wembanyama spoke to reporters about the collapse and the frustration of letting a major opportunity slip away. He said the team now faced a simple choice: give in to the disappointment or respond by becoming stronger. His comments reflected both shock and accountability after a defeat that could have put the Spurs in a commanding position in the series.
Wembanyama also addressed his foul situation, saying he would need to be more careful going forward because one more flagrant foul would result in a suspension. Still, he suggested that the warning would not significantly change the way he plays. The Spurs’ star indicated that while he may need to adjust his decision-making, his overall style would remain aggressive and competitive.
Even after such a poor second half, San Antonio had a real chance to escape with a win in the closing moments. The Spurs led by one point with 16 seconds left when Jalen Brunson missed a shot that could have given New York the lead. De’Aaron Fox secured the rebound and pushed the ball up the floor, but instead of slowing the play and forcing the Knicks to foul, he went for a quick layup. OG Anunoby blocked the attempt, keeping New York alive.
The Knicks then had one more chance, and Brunson missed a three-pointer. But Anunoby again made the decisive play, tipping in the rebound for the go-ahead basket with only 1.8 seconds remaining. That clutch sequence sealed the victory for New York and left the Spurs stunned after a game they had controlled for long stretches.
The defeat made the series even more frustrating for San Antonio because the Spurs had opportunities in earlier games as well. The matchup could easily be 3-1 in the Spurs’ favor, but New York has been the more composed team in late-game situations. The Knicks have repeatedly executed better in critical moments, while the Spurs have struggled to close out tight finishes.
Now San Antonio faces a must-answer situation before Game 5 on Saturday night. If the Spurs cannot recover quickly, the Finals could be over. For Wembanyama and the rest of the team, the challenge is no longer just about talent or momentum. It is about whether they can mentally recover from one of the most painful collapses of the postseason and respond when the pressure is highest.
