Preface

This article summarizes the pivotal Game 4 moment that shifted the 2026 NBA Finals narrative and elevated OG Anunoby in the MVP discussion.

The 2026 NBA Finals produced an unforgettable finish: OG Anunoby’s putback with just over a second left completed a historic comeback and moved the New York Knicks to a 3-1 series lead. This piece examines how that single play — and Anunoby’s quieter, consistent impact throughout the series — changed perceptions about the Finals MVP race. We outline performance trends, supporting contributions from teammates, and the implications for the remainder of the series. By focusing on objective stats and measured observations, the goal is to clarify why Anunoby’s moment matters beyond the highlight reel and how the ladder for Finals MVP could evolve in the coming games.

Lazy bag

OG Anunoby’s game-winning tip-in — and his steady two-way play — vaulted him to the top of the Finals MVP ladder. That single offensive rebound not only completed a 29-point rally but also showcased his baseline-to-baseline defense and late-game composure. While his teammates have also produced strong showings, Anunoby’s combination of timely scoring, efficient shooting and hustle plays created a compelling case for MVP recognition down the stretch.

Main Body

The closing seconds of Game 4 offered a defining moment in the 2026 NBA Finals: OG Anunoby’s putback with 1.2 seconds remaining turned a one-point deficit into a one-point lead and finalized a 29-point comeback for the New York Knicks. That play instantly became one of the most consequential offensive rebounds in franchise and Finals history. Beyond the drama, however, the importance of that bucket must be measured in the context of Anunoby’s overall contributions during the series.

Through the first four games, Anunoby delivered a blend of efficient scoring, sturdy defense and situational awareness. His 33-point night in Game 4 came on 10-for-15 shooting, an indicator of his efficiency and shot selection in high-leverage moments. Over the last two games, his scoring has been particularly sharp: 51 points on 19-for-28 shooting, and an impressive 55% from three-point range in the series. Those numbers underscore a player who not only found a rhythm offensively but did so while maintaining the defensive responsibility that makes him a valuable two-way presence.

Critically, the game-winner did not appear in isolation. Earlier in the closing sequence, Anunoby’s hustle was on display with a block on De’Aaron Fox that helped swing possession back to New York and set up the eventual tip-in. It was a baseline-to-baseline impact: defense creating offense. Teammates and coaches took note — Karl-Anthony Towns credited Anunoby for giving the team a chance to win, and Josh Hart praised his consistent playoff toughness. Such endorsements matter when narratives form around MVP candidacies in a short series.

Still, the Finals MVP ladder is fluid. Anunoby occupies the top rung now because his tip-in both secured a critical victory and emphasized his quieter, consistent value throughout the series. But other contenders remain in close pursuit. Karl-Anthony Towns has produced steady double-double performances, offering interior scoring, rebounding and rim protection that have limited opposing star forward Victor Wembanyama at times. Towns’ ability to stay on the floor, overcome foul trouble, and contribute late in Game 4 strengthened his standing among big-man performances in the series.

Wembanyama himself has been a dominant factor for San Antonio. Despite the setback in Game 4, his scoring, rim protection and overall two-way influence have been among the series’ most impactful. Had Anunoby not completed the putback, Wembanyama might easily have been viewed as the frontrunner for Finals MVP heading into the next game. Similarly, Jalen Brunson’s timely efficiency in Game 4 — a 36-point effort on aggressive attacks to the rim and improved shooting percentages — reinforced his role as New York’s primary offensive engine. Brunson’s defensive attention draws additional help from San Antonio, which creates late-game opportunities for role players.

Young contributors also factored into the conversation. The Knicks’ rookie guard — who produced another double-digit scoring night and emerged as a reliable defensive presence — added energy and rebounding from the guard position, a rare and valuable trait for a young backcourt player in the Finals. That depth matters when evaluating an MVP case, because it shapes how a player’s individual contributions affect team outcomes.

Statistically, a few data points stand out for Anunoby: he’s hit more threes in the Finals than the combined totals of Towns and Brunson to this point, and his overall efficiency (high true shooting percentage across the recent games) differentiates him from volume scorers who take lower-percentage shots. Beyond raw numbers, his temperament — a calm, understated reaction after the putback — speaks to a player comfortable performing under pressure. That demeanor can be persuasive when voters and observers weigh clutch moments alongside sustained production.

Looking ahead, the MVP ladder will depend on several variables: how the Knicks approach closeout opportunities, whether the Spurs can mount a meaningful rally, and which players produce signature performances in any remaining games. If the Knicks close the series quickly and Anunoby continues to deliver two-way excellence and high-efficiency scoring, his brief tenure at the top of the ladder could solidify into a lasting frontrunner narrative. Conversely, a Spurs comeback or dominant outing from Wembanyama or Towns would reshape the discussion instantly.

In short, Anunoby’s tip-in was both a headline moment and the culmination of a quieter, effective series-long contribution. It altered the Finals MVP conversation by pairing a dramatic, game-deciding play with consistent two-way value. Whether that combination ultimately wins the award will hinge on what unfolds in the closing games of the series, but for now his ladder ascent is well justified.

Key Insights Table

Author: Shaun Powell has covered the NBA for decades; his reporting highlights career context, statistical perspective, and first-hand observations from Finals coverage.