In Game 4 of the NBA Finals, the New York Knicks overcame a 29-point deficit to defeat the San Antonio Spurs 107–106, taking a 3–1 series lead. The turning point came in the second half when the Knicks aggressively targeted Victor Wembanyama in pick-and-roll situations, exploiting defensive rotations and spacing. According to Second Spectrum, New York generated 1.82 points per possession on 22 such plays after halftime, a dramatic shift from their 0.7 PPP in the first half.

The Knicks adjusted their screen placement and spacing, using actions in the middle of the floor and corner-to-corner movement to isolate Wembanyama without help. Key players like Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, and Jose Alvarado executed the plan with precision, forcing San Antonio into uncomfortable switches and rotations. Alvarado’s screening and off-ball movement were particularly effective in creating mismatches.

Wembanyama, the unanimous Defensive Player of the Year, played nearly 44 minutes and has averaged 40.6 minutes over the past five games—well above his regular-season average. His fatigue may have contributed to the defensive slippage. The Spurs now face elimination in Game 5, with their coaching staff needing to reassess how to deploy Wemby without overburdening him.