Spurs dominate early as Knicks seek to stay alive in Game 4 of NBA Finals

San Antonio opened a strong first quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, leading 41-22 after the opening period. The Spurs shot 65.2% from the field and 60% from three-point range, with Victor Wembanyama contributing 13 points and Devin Vassell hitting all three of his attempts from beyond the arc. New York’s effort was led by OG Anunoby’s 10 points, but the Knicks struggled after Karl-Anthony Towns picked up two quick fouls, disrupting their rhythm.

The Knicks attempted to respond, with Jalen Brunson adding four points and Karl-Anthony Towns scoring an and-one layup, but the Spurs’ defense continued to stifle New York’s offense. By the midway point of the quarter, San Antonio extended the lead to 59-34. Former Spur Jeremy Sochan entered the game to guard Wembanyama, while the Knicks rotated bench players including Ariel Hukporti, who was quickly replaced after a foul.

Mike Brown considered additional bench options as the Spurs maintained a 30-17 advantage with four minutes left in the quarter, shooting 68.8% overall and 75% from three-point range. The Knicks’ bench featured Landry Shamet and Jose Alvarado, but no significant scoring came from them.

The game’s starting lineups featured De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Julian Champagnie and Victor Wembanyama for San Antonio, and Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns for New York. Mitchell Robinson was listed as available for the Knicks despite a fractured right fifth metacarpal.

Analysts highlighted the importance of De’Aaron Fox’s clutch shooting in the previous game and Stephon Castle’s 23-point performance in Game 3, noting that the Spurs have struggled to close out the first two games of the series. They also pointed to the Knicks’ reliance on Brunson’s scoring and the need for Towns to receive more touches in the fourth quarter.