What happened: The New York Knicks enter tonight’s Game 5 against the San Antonio Spurs with a 3-1 lead in the NBA Finals. Every matchup in the series has been decided by thin margins, including a historic 29-point comeback by New York in Game 4 to move within one win of the championship.
Why it matters: A victory tonight would end the Knicks’ 53-year title drought and avenge their 1999 Finals loss to the Spurs. The series has already set viewership records, fueled by dramatic swings and a historic postseason run that has seen Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby deliver multiple clutch performances.
By the numbers: NBA Finals Series: NYK 3, SA 1. Game 4: NYK 107, SA 106 (NYK overcame record 29-point deficit). Brunson: 32.0 PPG series average. Wembanyama: 13.0 RPG in series. Line: SA -5.5; 5.
What to watch: The Spurs look to extend the series at home tonight, while the Knicks aim to celebrate their first title in over half a century.