The New York Knicks almost lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference finals but stole the win by staging one of the most epic comebacks in NBA history. They battled back from a 22-point deficit with eight minutes remaining and completed the comeback in overtime.
Jalen Brunson led the way with a game-high 38 points. He also hit the clutch two-pointer that forced overtime. ESPN said it was the second biggest fourth-quarter comeback in playoff history since a 2012 playoff game in which the Los Angeles Clippers overcame a 24-point deficit against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Karl-Anthony Towns credited the crowd at MSG for giving the team energy and helping them avoid losing hope.
“It had been a tough go-around for them for the first three quarters of the game,” he said after the game.
“For us to come into that huddle with the energy from the fans and for them to show us so much love and support, then to give them something to cheer for in the fourth quarter, it’s always an honor. It’s a privilege to be able to do that.”
The comeback had MSG rocking, and the crowd was on its feet throughout the rally. Even team legends became so excited that one of them nearly got injured — or was close to earning a technical foul.
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Stephon Marbury was among the prominent names in attendance. He cheered like a die-hard fan and almost stole the spotlight himself. For that, he is apologizing.
He turned to his official X account to address his actions under the basket when Brunson made the game-tying two-pointer that forced overtime.
Fans are understanding about the actions of Marbuy who played for the Knicks from 2004 to 2009.
"Starbury you good bro, Brunson had everyone in that building possessed and energetic with his play and that comeback lol," NFL analyst Ian Williams wrote.
"No apologies needed @StarburyMarbury the energy you and @StarksTheDunk had on the sideline had me even more on 🔥 than I already was," Knicks fan account NYKMentality replied.
"We all were you last night you earned that privilege," said another in a quote post.
Brunson, Towns and the rest of the Knicks will need more of Marbury and the crowd's energy come Game 2 on Thursday.
