Following a dramatic Game 4 victory on June 11, the New York Knicks have taken a commanding 3-1 lead over the San Antonio Spurs in the 2025-26 NBA Finals, simultaneously igniting a fierce two-man race for the Bill Russell Finals MVP Trophy. While Jalen Brunson remains the betting favorite, teammate OG Anunoby has seen his odds surge at FanDuel Sportsbook after a career-defining performance allowed New York to overcome a 29-point deficit and move within one win of their first championship since 1973.
A Historical Rematch Decades in the Making
This championship series serves as a high-stakes rematch of the 1998-99 NBA Finals, the last time the Knicks reached the league’s biggest stage. In that encounter, a young Tim Duncan led the Spurs to a five-game series victory, marking the beginning of a San Antonio dynasty and the start of a long title drought for New York.
Nearly 30 years later, the roles have shifted as the Knicks enter the series as the aggressors, seeking to avenge that historical loss. The narrative of this series has been defined by New York’s resilience and the individual brilliance of their star-studded roster against the generational talent of San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama.
The Game 4 Turnaround and Anunoby’s Rise
The momentum of the Finals shifted permanently during Game 4 when the Knicks staged a miraculous comeback after trailing by 29 points. The rally was capped off by OG Anunoby, who secured a tip-in with just one second remaining on the clock to give New York a one-point lead and the eventual win.
Anunoby finished the night with 33 points on an efficient 10-of-15 shooting performance, proving he is far more than just a defensive specialist. His ability to produce in high-pressure moments has seen his MVP odds jump to +250, placing him directly behind Jalen Brunson on the betting boards.
Throughout the Finals, Anunoby has been a model of efficiency, averaging 23.8 points per game. His shooting splits are particularly striking, as he is currently converting 58% of his attempts from the field and a blistering 55.6% from beyond the three-point arc.
Brunson and Wembanyama: The Statistical Contrast
Jalen Brunson continues to lead the MVP race with -120 odds, largely due to his role as the engine of the New York offense. In Game 4, Brunson “brought the thunder,” recording 36 points, seven assists, five rebounds, and three steals to keep the Knicks within striking distance during their comeback.
Despite his high scoring average of 29.5 points per game in the series, Brunson has struggled with efficiency, shooting just 39.5% from the field and 34.5% from three-point range. This volume-heavy approach contrasts sharply with Anunoby’s precision, creating a difficult choice for voters should the Knicks close out the series.
On the opposing side, Victor Wembanyama remains the longshot candidate at +390, though his path to the award requires a historic comeback. Wembanyama posted 24 points and 13 rebounds in Game 4, but his 9-for-25 shooting night highlighted the difficulties he has faced against New York’s physical defensive schemes.
Expert Perspectives and Defensive Impact
Analysts suggest that Anunoby’s value extends beyond the box score, as his primary defensive assignment is often neutralizing Wembanyama or the Spurs’ perimeter threats. This two-way dominance is a key factor in why his odds have tightened so significantly against a high-usage scorer like Brunson.
Data from FanDuel Sportsbook indicates that public betting sentiment is beginning to split between the two Knicks stars. While Brunson is the emotional leader of the team, Anunoby’s Game 4 heroics have provided the “signature moment” often required to sway Finals MVP voters.
Implications for the Series and the Franchise
For the New York Knicks, the primary objective remains securing the fourth win, regardless of who claims the individual hardware. A championship would validate the front office’s aggressive moves to acquire and retain both Brunson and Anunoby over the past several seasons.
For the Spurs, the 3-1 deficit places them in a position where they must win three consecutive games against a hot-shooting New York squad. Wembanyama will need to significantly improve his field goal percentage if San Antonio hopes to extend the series back to Texas.
Watch for Game 5 to be a potential coronation for the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. If Anunoby maintains his current shooting efficiency while delivering another clutch performance, he could become one of the few primary defensive players in history to leapfrog a high-scoring teammate for the Finals MVP award.
