Knicks Make History with 27-Point Finals Comeback as Sengun Preps for FIBA Qualifiers

The New York Knicks are one game from their first NBA championship in over five decades after a historic Game 4 comeback, while Houston Rockets star Alperen Sengun prepares to lead Turkey in critical FIBA World Cup qualifiers this summer.

Knicks’ Historic Comeback Puts Spurs on Brink

The most improbable storyline of the 2026 NBA Finals took center stage Thursday as the Knicks erased a 27-point deficit to defeat the San Antonio Spurs 107-106 in Game 4. OG Anunoby’s game-winning tip-in with 1.2 seconds remaining—capping a 33-point performance—sealed New York’s remarkable rally, marking the largest comeback in Finals history.

The Spurs had built a significant halftime lead but struggled offensively in the second half. Center David Jones Garcia’s absence due to a season-ending ankle injury has left San Antonio without a reliable interior presence, compounding their late-game struggles. Game 5, set for Saturday in San Antonio, will be the Knicks’ first chance to close out the series at 8:30 PM EDT. DraftKings lists the Spurs as 198-to-1 favorites on the moneyline, but Rotoworld’s model recommends the Knicks +5.5 spread and OVER 216.5 points.

Sengun Balances National Team Commitments Amid Rockets’ Summer Plans

While the Knicks’ title hopes hang in the balance, Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun is preparing for Turkey’s 2026 FIBA World Cup European qualifiers. The 23-year-old will lead Turkey’s charge in July.

Sengun’s participation carries dual implications for the Rockets. On one hand, international play could provide a physical edge as he enters Houston’s 2026-27 season. On the other, the risk of injury looms—particularly after teammate Fred VanVleet’s ACL tear during a September 2025 exhibition. Turkey’s schedule, featuring games on July 2 and 5, aligns with the Rockets’ training camp timeline, but general manager Rafael Stone has yet to announce contingency plans if Sengun suffers a setback.

Mystics’ Rest Advantage Looms in WNBA Showdown

While the NBA’s drama unfolds, the Washington Mystics aim to end a two-game skid against the Toronto Tempo on Friday. Center Shakira Austin, who scored in the season opener against Toronto, is projected to eclipse 16 points again. The Mystics’ rest advantage—teams with rest have covered 59% of spreads this season—could prove decisive as the Tempo deals with injuries to key players.

Though the WNBA matchup isn’t directly tied to NBA narratives, Austin’s performance could foreshadow her potential as a rising star in a league increasingly intertwined with the NBA’s developmental pipeline.

With the Knicks on the verge of history and Sengun’s summer plans adding intrigue to the Rockets’ rebuild, the NBA’s summer narrative is already shaping up. The Spurs’ resilience in Game 5—and whether they can force a decisive Game 6—will determine if this series earns a place among the greatest Finals ever.