New York City was alive with excitement on Wednesday night as Knicks fans filled bars, bodegas, watch parties, and their own living rooms, celebrating a spectacular comeback win that has brought the team within a single victory of the NBA championship.
In a dramatic turn of events, the Knicks made history by executing the largest comeback in NBA Finals history during the second half of Game 4. Their thrilling 107-106 victory over the Spurs at Madison Square Garden has put them ahead 3-1 in the series.
The city transformed into a massive party as the final seconds ticked down, with the orange and blue pulling off a miraculous rally to secure the win. Fireworks lit up the skyline, and the air was filled with the sounds of triumphant cheers and chants of “Knicks in Five.”
Car horns blared, strangers embraced, and spontaneous dance parties erupted in the streets, while subway cars echoed with singing fans celebrating the momentous occasion.
“It was electrifying. Oh my God, words can’t describe it,” said Frederick Cassie, 21, from Flatbush, reflecting the mood outside Lady Wilde’s, a Midtown bar. “This was historical.”
The energy was palpable across every corner of the city, capturing the joyous spirit of a night that will be remembered by New Yorkers for years to come.
One joyous fan climbed up the pole of a bus stop sign on Seventh Avenue and did a backflip off it to raucous cheers from hundreds in the street. In Central Park, complete strangers huddled beside each other while watching the game on cellphones. Staten Island’s skies erupted in fireworks, while crowds lined up on Smith Street in Carroll Gardens, chanting “OG, OG, OG!” in reference to Knicks player OG Anunoby’s dramatic game-winning shot.
“Anything can happen in a New York Minute. What the F just happened? Knicks in six,” said Randy Sanchez, 28, from the Hudson Valley.
“I feel so great right now. I’m actually so lit. This is amazing. I can’t wait for the next game,” Layla David, 19, said outside the Central Park watch party.
The Knicks can clinch their first NBA title since 1973 with a victory Saturday in San Antonio.
“After tonight, I’m convinced that game five, we are taking it, they’re gonna win in San Antonio, and they’re gonna bring that championship trophy back to New York City, and that parade is gonna be insane,” James Egiziaco, 44, said. “And I’m taking off of work, and I’m gonna be there.”
Madison Square Garden remained packed after Game 4 ended with hometown fanatics too thrilled to leave the arena, clips showed.
“It was the largest comeback ever. If any team could do it, the New York Knicks can. They’re going to win the championship,” Tommy Connors, 19, of Queens, said a few blocks up from the Garden. “Wemby [San Antonio villain Victory Wembanyama] folded under pressure. He couldn’t handle the Garden. He’s crying right now.”
For longtime Knicks faithful, the historic win was even more special.
“I’ve been a fan since ’92. We haven’t won a championship since ’93. This day is a day in history,” Steven St. Pierre, a 40-year-old actor and filmmaker. “We are here to witness it. Let’s go next. Jalen Brunson, the king of New York — he’s getting a statue outside the Garden. Let’s talk about it. Let’s go.”
The Knicks will face the Spurs in San Antonio on Saturday for the chance to win the finals once and for all.
“I’m honored to be a Knicks fan. I love this team. I love this city,” Marco Pace, 18, said. “This was the most truly inspiring game.”
