Crucial NBA Finals Game: Spurs and Knicks Battle for Series Balance. In the NBA Finals, the Spurs are aiming to even the score against the Knicks. Wembanyama’s performance and Brunson’s efficiency are in the spotlight. The outcome of this game could shape the course of the entire series.
The fourth game of the NBA Finals series between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks is underway at Madison Square Garden in New York. After a tense start, the Spurs managed to close the gap in the series to 2-1, and now both teams are aiming for a strategically vital victory. For the Knicks, winning this game means gaining a comfortable lead and improving their title chances, while for the Spurs, it's an opportunity to regain the initiative and tie the series.
The main intrigue is whether Victor Wembanyama can continue to gain momentum. Over the past game and a half, he has made significant progress, becoming a key player on both offense and defense. His confidence and maturity on the court are growing, especially after some tough moments at the end of Game 2. In Game 3, Wembanyama and Stephon Castle became the first NBA Finals teammates in history to each score 20 or more points before turning 22. If Wembanyama posts another 30-point performance with rebounds and blocks, the Knicks will have to adjust their defense.
At the same time, all eyes are on Jalen Brunson. Despite hitting decisive shots in the first two games, his overall scoring and accuracy have raised concerns. Brunson leads in shot attempts but is converting only 37% from the field and 32% from beyond the arc. This inefficiency affects the distribution of offensive opportunities among his teammates, particularly Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby, who are shooting much better. Knicks coach Mike Brown notes that Towns should get the ball more often, especially in crunch time, to maximize his potential for the team.
X-factors may also play an important role. For the Spurs, that's Keldon Johnson, who has yet to live up to his status as the season's best sixth man, and Luke Kornet, whose play backing up Wembanyama has so far failed to deliver the desired impact either defensively or in rebounding. Rookie Dylan Harper regularly scores points but often limits himself to perimeter shots, which decreases his efficiency. On the Knicks' bench, they're waiting for a breakthrough from Deuce McBride, who has only made 2 of 14 shots so far, and from Mitchell Robinson, who can influence the game defensively but is vulnerable at the free-throw line.
The outcome of the series largely depends on which team can impose its tempo and exploit the opponent's weaknesses. The Spurs have already shown they can contain the opponent’s stars, as they did against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the Western Conference Finals. The Knicks, for their part, are seeking a balance between Brunson’s individual play and team offense. In such series, it’s often not just the stars but also rotation players capable of producing a surprise result at the right moment who prove decisive.
For fans, the NBA Finals is not only a battle for the title but also a chance to watch new leaders emerge and coaches adjust their tactics. In league history, a 3–1 lead has almost always meant victory in the series, but a 2–2 scoreline brings the intrigue back and makes every following game decisive. Likewise, as in the recent transfer of Jon Guridi in Spanish football, where unexpected personnel decisions can change the course of the season, in the NBA Finals, the unexpected contributions of certain players can turn the series scenario upside down (more about the Guridi transfer).
The NBA Finals traditionally attract interest not only from American fans but also from European supporters, including those in Spain, where basketball consistently ranks among the top three most popular sports. In the 2025/26 season, the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks are showcasing different playing styles, making the series especially unpredictable. The upcoming game could be crucial for both teams and determine which one moves closer to the championship.
