MIAMI, FL – JUNE 21: Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat celebrates with the Larry O’Brien Finals Championship trophy after they won 121-106 against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Five of the 2012 NBA Finals on June 21, 2012 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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NBA legend Dwyane Wade gave his thoughts on the NBA Finals series between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs ahead of Wednesday’s nail-biting Game 4.
Hours before the game tipped off at Madison Square Garden, Wade starred in a panel at the TriBeCa Film Festival and told Forbes SportsMoney “the unknown” is what he has enjoyed most about the Knicks-Spurs series.
“I don’t think [any] of us expected the Knicks to go on to San Antonio and win two,” Wade shared. “And then turn around and San Antonio to win one [in New York]. The unexpected, the unknown.
“That’s what we love about sports,” the 13-time All-Star added. “We don’t know the outcome. I love that these great athletes have put everything into this. Everything into their performance, into their individuality and also, everything into [their] team.”
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 10: OG Anunoby #8 of the New York Knicks celebrates after scoring the go-ahead basket against the San Antonio Spurs in the final seconds with Karl-Anthony Towns #32 and Jordan Clarkson #00 during the fourth quarter in Game Four of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden on June 10, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
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The series began with the Knicks overcoming a 14-point second-half deficit. Led by Jalen Brunson’s 30 points, 13 of which came in the fourth, New York capped off regulation with an 11-0 run to stun the young Spurs and win 105-95.
Game 2 saw San Antonio open a 16-point gap, another one which the Knicks overcame thanks to stellar performances from Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges. The contest came down to a crucial turnover from Victor Wembanyama, parlayed with free throws from Brunson, who ultimately won the game 105-104 for the Knicks.
Trailing by two games, San Antonio made a statement and spoiled the party at Madison Square Garden for Game 3. A physical affair dimmed the first Finals game at the Garden since 1999. Led by Wembanyama’s 32 points and nine boards, the Spurs’ resilience allowed them to narrowly escape, 115-111, and avoid getting swept.
“It’s game to game, possession to possession,” Wade said. “The Knicks have habits that’s been built over years, especially this season with this unit. Obviously, with coach [Mike] Brown and his staff coming in, you gotta leave it to the fans to look at the outcome.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 08: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks in Game Three of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden on June 08, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
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“You guys’ job is to look at the steps that you need and the habits that you built,” the three-time NBA champion continued. “Make sure you continue to work those and continue to work the game. The Knicks have given themselves a chance to win every game, and if you do that for seven games, you could possibly walk away with four wins.”
“It’s not as complicated as it is for the fans, but inside you know who you are, you know what you can do. There’s gonna be a lot of ebb and flow, and they gotta stay the course.”
Wednesday’s Game 4 was historic as the Knicks overcame the largest deficit in NBA Finals history, erasing a 29-point difference in the second half. The game was sealed by a crucial putback from OG Anunoby after a three-point miss from Brunson in the dying seconds.
Despite questionable officiating and Towns getting in foul trouble early, the Knicks secured a 107-106 win behind Brunson and Anunoby scoring 36 and 33, respectively.
The series shifts back to San Antonio for Game 5 on Saturday.