When you’re down 22 points with less than eight minutes to play in the playoffs, you’re not supposed to win. The Cleveland Cavaliers didn’t get the memo.
The New York Knicks pulled off one of the most stunning comebacks in NBA playoff history on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden, and the energy that followed was absolutely electric. Trailing by what seemed like an insurmountable deficit, New York went on a blistering 30-8 run to force overtime, then completely dismantled the shellshocked Cavs in the extra period, outscoring them 14-3 to steal Game 1, 115-104. The Garden was packed with A-list celebrities—Timothee Chalamet, Lenny Kravitz, and Dustin Hoffman among them—and they got one hell of a show.
But here’s where it gets interesting: as hundreds of fans poured out of the arena and into the streets outside the World’s Most Famous Arena, they weren’t just celebrating their team’s improbable victory. They were already looking ahead to the Finals, chanting“We want Wemby! We want Wemby!”at the top of their lungs. Their message was clear—if the Knicks keep this up, they want a Finals matchup against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs.
The Spurs certainly looked Finals-ready themselves. Like the Knicks, they won Game 1 in overtime, taking down the favored Oklahoma City Thunder 122-115. And Wembanyama? He was nothing short of dominant. The star forward dropped 41 points on efficient 14-for-25 shooting, pulled down 24 rebounds, and added 3 blocks. If the Knicks do make it through to the Finals, they’re going to get a front-row seat to one of the most talented two-way players in basketball.
Here’s the thing about cosmic planning though—the universe has a sense of humor. Those Knicks fans chanting for Wembanyama better be careful what they wish for. If they do end up facing the Spurs, they’ll be staring down one of the most complete basketball players on the planet night after night. Still, after a comeback like that, maybe they’re not worried about anything.
About the Author
Ava Hart
Ava Hart is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
