Category: Basketball

Nothing beats an epic comeback.

When all hope is lost, seeing your favorite team somehow beat all the odds and emerge victorious despite being backed into a corner for most of the game is a feeling that can likely only be matched by witnessing the birth of your first child. The second child probably doesn't hit as hard.

The New York Knicks mounted one of the greatest comebacks ever Wednesday, June 10 in Game 4 of the NBA Finals. After trailing by 29 points, the Knicks rallied to win 107-106 on an OG Anunoby tip in with under two seconds to play, securing themselves a 3-1 series lead, just one win away from their first NBA title since 1973.

It was one of the greatest NBA Finals games in recent memory, perhaps only being matched by the iconic Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals, where LeBron James famously chased down Andre Iguodala for a key block. But even that game didn't feature a comeback of such epic proportions.

That begs the question, where does this Knicks' win rank among the greatest comebacks of all-time? Here are our picks:

Ranking the 10 greatest comebacks in sports history

10. 1995 Indiana Pacers

Comebacks don't have to be long, drawn out affairs. Sometimes they can happen within minutes, or in this case, nine seconds.

Trailing by six points in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals with just 18.7 seconds to go, Pacers' legend Reggie Miller rattled off eight points in 8.9 seconds to secure a 107-105 win at Madison Square Garden.

This win would prove absolutely pivotal for the Pacers as well, as it took Indiana all seven games to do away with the Knicks.

9. 2006 Michigan State Spartans

Trailing 38-3 with less than 10 minutes to play in the third quarter, the Michigan State Spartans looked dead in the water facing the Northwestern Wildcats. They'd already lost each of their previous four games and were just waddling to the end of the game without much of a fight.

At least, that's what you might have expected. However, the Spartans did the opposite, scoring 38 unanswered points to cap off the biggest comeback in NCAA Division I football history.

The Spartans scored on five straight possessions to end the game (four touchdowns, one field goal), and added a punt return TD in the midst of the comeback as well. In total, the Spartans scored 24 points in the fourth quarter alone.

It was a tremendous win for Michigan State, and while you'd hope it would catapult the team into a feverish finish to their season, the Spartans actually would not win another game that year. They finished the season 4-8 overall and 1-7 in Big Ten play.

8. 2001 Duke Blue Devils

This contest had everything, stakes, rivals, and an absolutely unforeseen comeback.

In the fourth meeting of the year between heated ACC rivals Maryland and Duke, the two teams battled it out for a spot in the March Madness title game. These teams had been at each other's throats all year, with Duke winning two of their previous three matchups, but Maryland holding a +7 point differential.

This one was for all the most important marbles though. And Maryland looked primed for a spot in the title game. They led 39-17 early on, but Duke slowly clawed back.

By the end of the first half, they trailed by 11, and with seven minutes to go in the game, Duke took their first lead of the contest.

The Blue Devils closed the game out on a 23-12 run to dispatch the Terrapins. They'd end up defeating Arizona in the title game as well to secure Coach K's third national title.

7. 2026 New York Knicks

Maybe it's recency bias, maybe it's Maybelline. Regardless of the emotions running high in our minds currently, it's hard to argue just how massive this win was for the Knicks and the city of New York as a whole.

After the Spurs won Game 3, San Antonio looked like they would be heading back home with all the momentum, stealing both games at Madison Square Garden from the Knicks to even the series up at 2-2. However, OG Anunoby and Jalen Brunson had different plans.

Trailing by 27 at halftime, and facing a deficit of 29 points, the Knicks won the third quarter by 12 points and the fourth quarter by 16 points to win 107-106 on an Anunoby tip-in with less than two seconds left.

That capped off the largest comeback in NBA Finals history as the Knicks gathered a commanding 3-1 series lead.

6. 1993 Buffalo Bills

Playing the Houston Oilers for the second game in a row after falling to them 27-3, the Bills looked like they were ready to be run off the field yet again, but this time, a loss would've ended their sason in the first round of the playoffs. Trailing 28-3 at halftime, the Bills came out of the locker room and promptly threw a pick-6, giving the Oilers a 32-point lead.

The Bills would immediately find a new gear though, rattling off 28 points by the end of the third quarter alone. That's the most in NFL history in the third quarter of a playoff game.

Sure, the scoring cooled off in the fourth quarter, but the Bills actually took the lead on a 17-yard touchdown pass from Frank Reich to Andre Reed. Ther Oilers would kick a field goal to send the game to overtime, but the momentum was clearly in Buffalo's favor, and they won the game in OT.

While this comeback has since been overtaken for the largest in NFL history, the fact this happened in the postseason is what keeps it on this list.

5. Paul Lawrie, 1999 British Open

Sometimes, an epic comeback requires a little bit of luck. That isn't to say Paul Lawrie's victory at the 1999 British Open wasn't earned. He came into the final round trailing by 10 strokes. His victory marked the largest final round comeback in major championship history.

Of course, what people remember most is the iconic collapse from Jean van de Velde. The Frenchman carded a triple bogey on the 18th hole, giving Lawrie a chance to win in a playoff alongside Justin Leonard. After four holes, Lawrie emerged victorious. He posted a final round score of 4-under 67, the best mark of the day from anyone who finished inside the top-10 of the tournament.

4. 2010 Philadelphia Flyers

This wasn't just one 3-0 comeback. This was two, wrapped into one. Not only did the Flyers need to claw back and win three consecutive games to force a Game 7, but in that winner-take-all contest, the Bruins got out to a 3-0 lead.

The Flyers won four straight games, scored four straight goals, and became the third team in NHL history to come back from a 3-0 series deficit.

3. 2017 New England Patriots

Love them, hate them, the New England Patriots' dynasty was certainly formidable. You could never count Tom Brady and company out. Even when they trailed by 25 deep into the third quarter, you had to imagine that a few fumbles and questionable play calls from the opposition were coming because that's the kind of voodoo magic that the Patriots brought.

In this case, the Atlanta Falcons were the victims as the Patriots secured their fifth Super Bowl.

2. 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers

Perhaps we could still see another this year, but the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers currently remain the only team in NBA history to come back from a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals. That alone would warrant placement on this list, but it ranks so high because of everything it stood for.

The Cavaliers were facing the 73-9 Golden State Warriors, the greatest regular season team of all-time. The Warriors boasted unanimous MVP Stephen Curry and were looking to become back-to-back champions.

They had everything, but they didn't have the King. LeBron James, accompanied with stellar sidekicks like Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love, as well as unforgettable defense from role player Matthew Dellavedova, was able to lead the Cavs to three straight wins, capturing the iconic "Blocked by James!" moment along the way.

1. 2004 Boston Red Sox

As stated earlier, a 3-0 comeback is obviously one of the toughest things to do in sports. In hockey, such a comeback has happened four times. In Major League Baseball, it's happened only once.

Everything about this series was special. Not only did the Red Sox accomplish the "never happened before or after" feat against their greatest rivals the New York Yankees, but in doing so, they also broke the Curse of the Bambino, an 86-year World Series drought, as the Red Sox went on to sweep the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series.

This series brought us the Curt Schilling bloody sock game, two walk-off wins from David Ortiz, and a Game 7 grand slam. It had everything and may never be topped as the greatest comeback in pro sports history. It was so good, it even prompted a Netflix documentary.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: Ranking sports best comebacks, including Knicks Game 4 win vs Spurs

Rumors of a Giannis Antetokounmpo blockbuster trade are ramping up, but one team is choosing to back out, again.

The Golden State Warriors put their bid in for the 2021 NBA champion and Finals MVP earlier in the year around the trade deadline in February, then-offering Jimmy Butler, Jonathan Kuminga and four first round draft picks.

They backed out then, and the Warriors are seemingly backing out now despite the Bay Area being a potential landing spot for Antetokounmpo.

Sources reportedly told The Stein Line's Jake Fischer on Thursday that the Warriors have not factored into any recent trade talks for Antetokounmpo.

“Minnesota and Golden State were both prominent Antetokounmpo suitors in February when the Bucks briefly invited trade interest in their Face of the Franchise, but sources say neither team has factored into the Bucks' recent trade talks,” Fischer wrote.

If not the Warriors, where could Giannis Antetokounmpo land?

Antetokounmpo, 31, is a two-time MVP who appears to be on his way out of Milwaukee after 13 seasons with the Bucks. He has two years remaining on his contract (player option 2027-2028) and becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2028.

The 6-foot-11, 243-pound forward called "The Greek Freak" averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists on 62.4% field-goal shooting but appeared in only 36 games during the 2025-26 season.

Many teams have been linked to be in the running for the 10-time All-Star, but it's the Miami Heat that seem to be the best fit and pose the best trade offers, compared to other teams hoping to be suitors in the sweepstakes.

The Heat are prepared to offer Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jovic, the No. 13 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft and future picks, The Stein Line reported.

The Bucks are reportedly shopping around to see if anyone can beat that package.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: Warriors get massive update in Giannis Antetokounmpo trade talks

Former Cavaliers big man Channing Frye isn’t shy to show confidence in his championship-winning team from the 2016 NBA Finals.

In an interview feature by Bleacher Report highlighting “How 2016 Cavaliers Made the Greatest Comeback in NBA History,” Frye said it didn’t matter who they played in Game 5, the Cavaliers were going to win the game.

“I am a firm believer that even if Draymond [Green] was there, we would have still put that belt on ’em,” Frye said. “Unless he would have grown two more arms, and 6 more inches, no.”

It’s been 10 years since Cleveland ignited the infamous 3-1 Warriors blown lead in the NBA Finals.

In that game, LeBron James and Kyrie Irving each had 41 points and combined for nine 3-pointers.

Green was suspended for Game 5 after picking up his fourth flagrant foul of the postseason, forcing him to watch next door from the old Oracle Arena at the Oakland Coliseum because he was not permitted to be in the building.

With no Green on the court, the Cavaliers went on to win, 112-97. Cleveland then won Game 6, 115-101, and then Game 7, 93-89, making it one of the greatest series comebacks in NBA history and bringing LeBron James his first NBA title as a member of the Cavaliers.

Frye recalled one of the advantages Cleveland had was when Andrew Bogut and Festus Ezeli went down in the series, making it easier for them to attack the rim and play more physically.

With Golden State having no big man on the court and no Green, who was the Defensive Player of the Year the season before, it gave James and Irving a major advantage on the court.

“I don’t know what happened with those boys; they went to the moon,” Frye said. “And I said, watching that firsthand, ‘Hell, no.’ “

Frye went on to compare the speed that James and Irving were playing as similar to a character in an anime.

“Total respect to Golden State, but it was like two sword fighters,” Frye said. “You just hear the noise, and then they’re over there, and you’re like ‘Damn, when did that happen?’ “

New York Knicks game analyst Monica McNutt is on an apology tour after she questioned why superstar singer Taylor Swift was at Game 4 of the NBA Finals.

Speaking with TMZ Sports, McNutt addressed the viral hot-mic moment and the wave of Swiftie backlash that followed June 11, saying that she was "wrong" about Swift not being a Knicks fan.

"Swifties, I appreciate your passion. I said what I said," McNutt said. "And here's the deal, if I'm wrong. I am wrong, apparently, because she's got an OG Amar'e Stoudemire jersey."

"I misspoke. I did not know. But here's the deal, context, I literally just did a piece on celebrity row. I've been with this organization for five years. I know these folks. Ben Stiller. His wife, Christine (Taylor). Spike Lee. All of them. Fat Joe," she added.

McNutt offered additional clarity, telling the outlet that she had not seen the "New Romantics" singer at a Knicks game this year, or last year.

"And we just saw her in Cleveland with her fiancé (Travis Kelce). Obviously, Travis supports the Cavs. She didn't have any Knicks paraphernalia, so I did not know of her Knicks loyalty. But shoutout, T-Swift. We can be united in orange and blue, like, it's fine."

McNutt's backpedaling came less than 24 hours after she was caught dissing Swift to fellow Knicks colleague Tyler Murray shortly after spotting her: "She's not a Knicks fan. Get outta here, girl."

Taylor Swift's support of Knicks predates appearance

Unbeknownst to some, including McNutt up until recently, Swift has been a Knicks fan for a while. In a 2014 interview with TIME, Swift opened up about her love of the Knicks shortly after she moved to New York City.

Responding to a comment made by TIME correspondent Jack Dickey about how bad the Knicks were doing then, Swift made it clear that her love of the team didn't depend on how well they're playing.

"I love them, though," Swift said. "Why does that matter?"

Swift told TIME that her interactions with Stoudemire and his then-wife Alexis at the Met Gala helped cement her love of the Knicks, noting that the couple were the "most normal people at that event, every single time."

"I talk with them and hang with them every time I’m there. So I’ve always had this sort of love of the Knicks, just because Amar’e is so cool," Swift said.

"And also I performed at the Knicks’—at Madison Square Garden’s—Kids Talent Competition at halftime when I was 12 or 13. And ever since then I’ve had this kind of sparkly, magical opinion of Madison Square Garden and the Knicks, since they let me sing when I was a little kid," Swift added.

Swift, who donned a "Stevie Knicks" tee, was one of a dozen A-listers spotted rooting for the Knicks on June 10. She sat courtside with Haim sisters, Alana and Este, who were also wearing shirts with Knicks-related puns.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Monica McNutt apologizes for assuming Taylor Swift wasn't a Knicks fan

Larry David’s enthusiasm was a little curbed when the Knicks were down 71-42 before making an historic comeback against the Spurs in Game 4 on Wednesday night. 

Fellow Knicks fan John McEnroe, seated next to David on Celebrity Row at Madison Square Garden, told the ESPN crew on “NBA Today” on Thursday that the “Curb Your Enthusiasm” star was ready to head for the exit when all hope looked lost for the Knicks. 

“We were sort of a little negative at 71-42,” the former tennis star and ESPN analyst said. “He was like, ‘Let’s get outta here.’ He was like, ‘Let’s get outta here.’ I go, ‘Larry, listen, over the years it hasn’t come up the way we expected [as Knicks fans].’ You know, I’ve blown a couple [of] big leads in my life….It was sort of like, ‘Here we go again, we’re gonna lose this. Something bad’s gonna happen.'”

But McEnroe said he tried to get David to be a bit more positive in the face of an uphill battle for the Knicks. 

“I said, ‘Larry, let’s get positive here. If they get it down [from 29] to 25, 21, 18, it’s 15 at the end of the [third] quarter.’ This type of stuff. ‘Let’s keep it positive,'” McEnroe continued. “That’s the most positive I’ve ever been at a game, and I’ve been at a lot of sporting events over the course of my 56 years of coming to Knicks games when I was 8 years old.”

The shocking comeback 107-106 Knicks win has put the team one win away from their first NBA title since 1973, whipping Knicks fans everywhere into a frenzy. 

Tennis analyst and lifelong Knicks fan @JohnMcEnroe joined NBA Today after the Knicks' legendary comeback pic.twitter.com/sJ8XPgsSe9

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) June 11, 2026

“I’ve never felt the energy in a crowd at Madison Square [Garden]. We used to play a big tennis event there [the season-ending Masters] and nothing’s ever come close to that. No one left after an hour,” McEnroe said. 

The interview was the second viral moment for David after video posted to social media showed the star nearly collapsing after Josh Hart missed a layup that would have given the Knicks a lead late in the fourth quarter.

After spending their entire careers as NBA rivals, LeBron James and Steph Curry might actually join forces.

According to NBC Sports Warriors insider Monte Poole, James joining Golden State should not be dismissed.

“I know it seems crazy,” Poole and NBC Sports Bay Area were told by a well-connected source. “But there is at least curiosity on both sides. This wouldn’t even be a conversation five or six years ago, and it might not happen now, but there’s enough there that we shouldn’t ignore the possibility. It’s mostly up to LeBron.”

Poole noted that the general belief is James will remain in Los Angeles, playing alongside his son, Bronny James, but recent reports by Brett Siegel of Clutch Points suggest Curry plans to meet with LeBron during the offseason and recruit him to the Warriors.

The Warriors are planning to pursue LeBron James this offseason and Steph Curry is planning on meeting with LeBron to recruit him to Golden State, per @BrettSiegelNBA.

“League sources telling us at ClutchPoints that the Warriors are very much open to pursuing LeBron James and… pic.twitter.com/YR0OwcofdZ

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 4, 2026

Over the last half-decade, James has said multiple times that he enjoys playing alongside Curry. The King said playing with Curry during the 2024 Paris Olympics was everything he envisioned.

In Poole’s article, he noted Warriors owner Joe Lacob would welcome the pairing because he loves having stars on his team.

A year after Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson won their first title together in 2015, they met Kevin Durant and the Thunder in the 2016 Western Conference finals.

The series ended up going seven games, with the Warriors edging OKC for the conference title.

The Warriors met LeBron and the Cavaliers in the Finals. Golden State, which led 3-1, fell in seven games.

Determined to win another title, Lacob and the Warriors signed Durant during the offseason. He led them to back-to-back championships and was selected as back-to-back Finals MVP.

Poole suggested that LeBron, Curry, Jimmy Butler and Green, one of LeBron’s best friends, could join forces for another NBA title run.

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Sometimes it feels like the media likes to just kick Houston Rockets fans while they’re down, and Tuesday and Wednesday were no different. I was just minding my business, scrolling on Twitter while thinking about how I will manage without Rocket’s basketball till October (depressing, I know), when I saw a tweet going around saying that the Rockets had significant interest in Stephon Castle around the 2024 NBA Draft, but Castle told Houston not to bother.

Stephon Castle’s camp reportedly sent signals to the Houston Rockets not to draft him because he didn’t want to play behind Fred VanVleet and Jalen Green, per @sam_amick

“Per league sources, Rockets coach and former Spurs assistant Ime Udoka was a huge fan of Castle’s (which… pic.twitter.com/wD0DupYR5L

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 10, 2026

Now, the 2024 draft was a weird one for Houston since, despite having a 41-41 record the season before, Houston was able to receive the third pick in the draft. Everyone wondered what player Houston would take with the pick since Stephon Castle, Reed Sheppard, and Donovan Clingan were all mentioned. However, there was a wrinkle in Houston’s potential plan, as there had been rumors that Castle had no interest in joining some teams, particularly those with a point guard. This meant the Rockets, who had signed Fred Vanvleet to a contract the previous summer, would likely be out of the running since it was clear Castle wanted a starting role, or did he?

Well, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic, it all turned out to be a smokescreen and conspiracy to get to Castle’s preferred destination, the San Antonio Spurs.

“At the time, there were reports that Castle’s choice not to conduct private workouts with several teams was driven by his desire to avoid teams that already had an established starting point guard

One of those teams was the Houston Rockets, who ultimately took Reed Sheppard out of Kentucky with the third pick. Per league sources, Rockets coach and former Spurs assistant Ime Udoka was a huge fan of Castle’s (which Castle said he was well aware of). But with veteran Fred VanVleet manning the point guard position and young Jalen Green at the two-guard spot, Castle and his camp sent the kinds of signals Houston’s way that eventually led to him landing in San Antonio. Just as he’d hoped,“

It would have been intriguing to watch the fit with Amen Thompson. It’s also crucial to keep in mind that the Rockets, who finished 23rd in outside shooting, had a significant shooting deficiency in the season leading up to that draft. However, it’s also important to note that, after what was essentially a redshirt rookie season last year, Sheppard was considered for the Sixth Man of the Year award, finishing with some votes. Therefore, the Rockets did not make a poor decision. Houston needed shooting, and that’s what Reed gave them. You can be upset about how the draft worked out without holding it against Sheppard, who has a bright future ahead.

Having stated all of that, what are your thoughts? How do you feel about this all coming out nearly two years after the 2024 draft? Do you blame Stephon Castle for going about this how he did? Let us know, and as always go Rockets.

Knicks takeover.

New York is the top-billing state for Game 5 of the NBA Finals between the Knicks and Spurs, even though the game is in San Antonio, according to SeatGeek.

Thirty-one percent of the billing is from Knicks territory, New York and New Jersey, while just 20 percent is from the Spurs’ home state of Texas.

This is a huge increase from Game 1, when New York and New Jersey states grabbed 13 percent, and Game 2 (17 percent).

Texas was responsible for at least 41 percent of ticket sales in each of those games.

The Knicks-heavy crowd was expected regardless of the Game 4 outcome, with New York and New Jersey buyers still accounting for 28 percent of sales prior to June 10.

The surge of Knicks fans has also come with a surge in price.

Prior to Game 4, the get-in price was $1,481. It has since risen 20 percent to $1,774 after the Knicks’ historic 29-point comeback put them up 3-1 in the series.

The price is still nothing compared to Madison Square Garden’s numbers, which saw a $4,585 get-in price, including fees, on the day of Game 3.

The most expensive ticket, courtside near the center of the court, was auctioned for $500,000.

Knicks fans have traveled well all postseason, with New Jersey and New York responsible for 47 percent of ticket sales in Game 3 of the 76ers series and 58 percent in Game 4.

An impressive celebrity row is also expected in San Antonio, with the likes of Fat Joe, Timothée Chalamet, Patrick Ewing, and Ben Stiller previously making appearances at Frost Bank Center.

It’s getting more and more physical.

Spurs star Victor Wembanyama, who picked up a flagrant foul for a hard hit on Karl-Anthony Towns in Wednesday’s historic NBA Finals loss to the Knicks, also got up close and personal with eventual Game 4 hero OG Anunoby.

With San Antonio leading 41-22 at the end of the first quarter, Wembanyama broke free from defender Jeremy Sochan to set a screen for De’Aaron Fox in an attempt to evade Anunoby’s defense.

Knciks bump Wemby quite a few times, then Wemby complains to ref pic.twitter.com/gCtduRgOoI

— Jared Schwartz (@jschwartz115) June 11, 2026

The video, shared by The Post’s Jared Schwartz, shows Wembanyama approaching Anunoby, jumping and lunging forward, landing awkwardly on top of the Knicks star’s right leg.

Neither player appeared to suffer any ill effects of Wembanyama’s closeout, but the 7-foot-4 center bumped Anunoby several more times for the rest of the possession, and even directed a complaint toward a referee.

No fouls were called on the play.

After being down 29 points, New York staged the biggest comeback in NBA Finals history with a 107-106 win – but Wembanyama continues to be on the receiving end of vitriol — and eggs — from the Knicks faithful.

“For those of you who don’t think Wemby is dirty explain this without saying it’s AI,” WFAN host Craig Carton wrote on X about the Anunoby screen.

“Dude tried to take OG’s ACL,” Buffalo Bills host Nate Geary wrote in response to the video.

While the angle from ESPN’s broadcast shows that Sochan might have shoved Wembanyama into Anunoby, any borderline physicality involving the French big man will be under a microscope.

The MVP finalist has drawn the ire of Knicks fans after a hard foul on star Jalen Brunson in Game 3 on Monday.

Wembanyama shoved Brunson to the ground in the first quarter of Monday’s contest, while appearing to laugh, and was not called for a personal foul, much less a flagrant.

Everyone from President Donald Trump to Mayor Zohran Mamdani ripped the non-call on Wembanyama.

Despite NBA senior vice president of referee development and training Monty McCutchen admitting a “foul was missed,” the league elected not to issue a retroactive flagrant on Wembanyama, a ruling that now looms large for the remainder of the series.

Entering the Finals, Wembanyama already carried two flagrant points for elbowing the Timberwolves center Naz Reid in the throat during the Western Conference semifinals.

After being hit with a flagrant for elbowing Towns in the third quarter of Game 4, Wembanyama now carries three points — a fourth would trigger an immediate one-game suspension.

If the NBA reviews the Anunoby play and issues a retroactive flagrant, Wembanyama would be suspended for Game 5.

Carrying a 3-1 series lead, the Knicks will look to clinch the franchise’s first title since 1973 as the teams return to San Antonio for Game 5 Saturday night.

Former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg praised his “new friend” Knicks guard Jose Alvarado for the team’s historic comeback Wednesday night, playfully announcing they had a “smoother” encounter than their viral run-in at Game 3.

Bloomberg shared a picture of him and Alvarado that was snapped while they chatted courtside before Game 4.

“Our second meeting went a little smoother. Huge congrats to my new friend [Alvarado] and the [Knicks] on their historic comeback. Don’t ever count NYC out. One more to go. Let’s Go Knicks!” Bloomberg captioned the post.

Alvarado and Bloomberg had an uncomfortably close first encounter on Monday.

During Game 3, Alvarado flew into celebrity row while trying to retrieve a loose ball — and landed right on top of Bloomberg.

The 84-year-old looked a little shaken up, but appeared otherwise unscathed.

Alvarado put his arms around Bloomberg and patted him on the chest after the collision, seemingly attempting to apologize before diving back into the game. 

To make matters worse, the Knicks fell to the Spurs within the hour, shattering their 13-game win streak.

Some fans suggested that Bloomberg was “the good luck charm” whose sheer presence secured Wednesday’s come-from-behind victory.

“Mikes leadership rubbed off on Jose!!” one woman commented.

“Craziest full circle ever,” another added.

“Still my mayor,” one person concluded.

Current New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani attended Game 3 with a gaggle of Empire State lawmakers in the standing-room section. He was spotted cheering on the Knicks during Game 4 at a bar in Queens.

The GOAT conversation has surfaced yet again after LeBron James told Time magazine, “I’m not taking nobody over me.”

When Stephen A. Smith was asked about James’ comments on ESPN’s “First Take,” he didn’t hold back from pointing out that Michael Jordan and other NBA greats would never call themselves the GOAT.

“I know Michael Jordan, I speak to him often. I’m telling you, he has never, ever, ever, once called himself the greatest,” Smith said on “First Take.” “It’s never happened. Kobe Bryant didn’t call himself the greatest. Kareem [Abdul-Jabbar] didn’t call himself the greatest …”

Smith continued to list other former NBA greats and didn’t withhold from taking shots at James when telling the rest of the “First Take” hosts why James would say this.

"Michael Jordan would never tell you he’s the GOAT. "@stephenasmith reacts to LeBron's GOAT comments pic.twitter.com/mWrEv1NZXM

— First Take (@FirstTake) June 10, 2026

“Because the man is addicted to trying to control the narrative,” Smith said. “These are the reasons problems exist, and so many people who support him, they haven’t seen the forest for the trees. They get caught up in that moment.”

When James said he wouldn’t take anybody over himself, he said he believes Jordan, Bryant, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Shaquille O’Neal, Wilt Chamberlain and Abdul-Jabbar would say the same thing.

“If there’s a general manager and he’s eyeballing all of us on a baseline, with the No. 1 pick, it’s gonna be hard not to take me, champ,” James said.

Despite James’ point that these NBA greats would take themselves over anybody, Smith spent the rest of the segment delivering shot after shot on James, and said he calculates every move he makes, and when he retires, he will be remembered as the best statistically.

“As I told you before. He is on the Mount Rushmore. He is one of the top two in the history [of the NBA] …,” Smith said. “But that’s as far as he’s getting. As long as I’m breathing, and I’m on airwaves, it will never be what he wants it to be.”

Knicks lead radio analyst Monica McNutt said she “misspoke” after she questioned Taylor Swift’s Knicks loyalty while on the air during Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals.

During a Thursday interview with TMZ, McNutt — who said “get out of here, girl” when she spotted Swift on Celebrity Row — explained that she was unaware of the singer’s Knicks fandom.

“Swifties, I appreciate your passion, I said what I said,” McNutt said, referring to Swift’s fan base, which let her hear on social media over her remarks. “Here’s the deal, if I’m wrong, I am wrong apparently because she’s got an original Amar’e Stoudemire [Knicks] jersey. I misspoke. I did not know.”

EXCLUSIVE: Knicks radio host Monica McNutt apologizes to Taylor Swift for NBA finals comment. pic.twitter.com/JLyor4PvIA

— TMZ (@TMZ) June 11, 2026

McNutt was likely referring to a viral photo from 2014 of Swift rocking a Knicks jersey with former New York stars Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire on the court at Madison Square Garden. She’s wearing a No. 13 jersey, her favorite number, in the photo.

“But here’s the deal, context, I literally just did apiece on Celebrity Row,” McNutt said. “I’ve been with his organization for five years. I know these folks — Ben Stiller, his wife Christine [Taylor], Spike Lee, Fat Joe. I had not seen her here this year or last year and we just saw her in Cleveland with her fiancé [Travis Kelce for Game 3 of Eastern Conference finals].

"She's not a Knicks fan. Get out of here girl!"

Monica McNutt is not a fan of Taylor Swift being at Game 4.

On the other hand, Tyler Murray made sure to get a picture for his wife. pic.twitter.com/dVaJ0p8QEj

— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) June 11, 2026

“Obviously Travis supports the Cavs. She didn’t have any Knicks paraphernalia [on at the game], so I didn’t know of her Knicks loyalty. But shoutout to T. Swift, we can be united in orange and blue, it’s fine.

“I did not know, I apologize if I’m wrong and apparently i am wrong and that fine but I did not know, because come on now — every Knicks fan has been in the building this year. So it’s all good.”

McNutt added that the Knicks’ historic comeback from down by as many as 29 to beat the Spurs 107-106 overpowered any discourse that her remarks may have caused.

“Did you see how the way that game ended? Nobody cared about this at all,” McNutt said. “I knew it was a big deal on the internet, but I was too busy enjoying the actual game because I got it like that.”

McNutt ruffled some feathers after she told her broadcast partner, Tyler Murray, that Swift was in the building and he pulled out his phone to take a photo.

“She’s not a Knicks fan. Get out of here, girl,” McNutt said, which set off Swifties online.

Swift attended her first Knicks game of the season and nearly stole the spotlight on Celebrity Row at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night.

The 14-time Grammy winner and her friends, singing sisters Este and Alana Haim, wore matching blue and orange shirts with Knicks puns.

They were cheering for New York throughout the game and enjoyed a celebration in the back hallways of MSG, where Swift was jumping up and down and swinging a towel in the air.

Swift, who owns multiple properties in New York, hasn’t claimed to be a diehard Knicks fan, but she has attended games at MSG.

She’s also from the East Coast and is a Reading, Pa. native.

Swift and Kelce are set to tie the knot at the World’s Most Famous Arena on July 3.

The 2026 NBA Draft is less than two weeks away, and the latest batch of national mock drafts suggest there is no consensus yet on how the picks will fall outside of the top four. BYU's A.J. Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson of Kansas, Duke's Cameron Boozer and UNC's Caleb Wilson are the odds-on favorites to go in the top-four in some order, with Dybantsa still the trendy choice to go No. 1 overall to the Washington Wizards.

But predictions for what happens from there remain unsettled, and the changes are perhaps best reflected through the latest mock draft curated by USA TODAY Sports using Microsoft Copilot's AI chat bot. Artificial intelligence adjusted its take on the draft only one week after its previous run-through with this mock draft exercise.

So Illinois guard Keaton Wagler, Michigan's Aday Mara and Baylor's Cameron Carr moved up based on Microsoft Copilot's analysis of the latest mock drafts, prospect analysis, team needs and rumors and intel related to pre-draft workouts and front office discussions. Koa Peat of Arizona and Houston's Chris Cenac Jr., meanwhile, saw their stock drop in the eyes of AI.

The real answers are likely to be shrouded in mystery until the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft begins on June 23.

Here's a breakdown of Microsoft Copilot AI's latest 2026 NBA mock draft, including the chatbot's reasoning for making each first-round pick:

2026 NBA mock draft by USA TODAY Sports

You can compare AI's picks to the latest USA TODAY 2026 NBA mock draft by clicking here.

2026 NBA mock draft: AI picks entire first round

USA TODAY Sports asked Microsoft Copilot AI to generate a mock draft for the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft featuring only players eligible this year now that the NBA draft withdrawl deadline passed for college players. The chatbot was asked to base its selections on current mock drafts from reputable websites, as well as the latest intel on team needs, prospect analysis, pre-draft workouts and the most up-to-date draft withdrawal news.

Note: AI models still have issues with accuracy as seen in the mock draft below. Of particular note, Microsoft Copilot needed additional prompts after several picks were inaccurately assigned to teams. The average mock draft pick referenced for each player was compiled by USA TODAY Sports using 13 of the latest mock drafts from national websites around the country, including USA TODAY.

1. Washington Wizards: AJ Dybantsa, BYU

• Average mock draft pick: 1
• AI analysis: "A franchise-caliber scoring wing with elite size and shot-creation gives Washington the offensive centerpiece it’s lacked."

2. Utah Jazz: Darryn Peterson, Kansas

• Average mock draft pick: 2
• AI analysis: "Utah lands a polished three-level scorer who fits seamlessly as a long-term backcourt engine."

3. Memphis Grizzlies: Cameron Boozer, Duke

• Average mock draft pick: 3
• AI analysis: "Boozer’s production, feel, and physicality make him the safest star bet to anchor Memphis’ next era."

4. Chicago Bulls: Caleb Wilson, North Carolina

• Average mock draft pick: 4
• AI analysis: "Chicago swings on two-way upside with a versatile forward who can impact both ends immediately."

5. Los Angeles Clippers: Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas

• Average mock draft pick: 6
• AI analysis: "A dynamic lead guard gives the Clippers a much-needed infusion of young shot creation."

6. Brooklyn Nets: Mikel Brown Jr., Louisville

• Average mock draft pick: 7
• AI analysis: "Brooklyn bets on elite scoring upside with a guard capable of becoming a primary offensive option."

7. Sacramento Kings: Kingston Flemings, Houston

• Average mock draft pick: 8
• AI analysis: "The Kings add an explosive playmaker who raises both tempo and long-term ceiling."

8. Atlanta Hawks: Aday Mara, Michigan

• Average mock draft pick: 11
• AI analysis: "Atlanta targets size and rim protection with a unique 7-footer who can anchor the defense."

9. Dallas Mavericks: Brayden Burries, Arizona

• Average mock draft pick: 9
• AI analysis: "A versatile combo guard provides secondary creation and scoring punch to stabilize the offense."

10. Milwaukee Bucks: Keaton Wagler, Illinois

• Average mock draft pick: 5
• AI analysis: "Milwaukee adds a steady, high-IQ guard who can contribute right away in a win-now rotation."

11. Golden State Warriors: Nate Ament, Tennessee

• Average mock draft pick: 10
• AI analysis: "Golden State grabs a long, skilled forward who fits its motion system and future wing needs."

12. Oklahoma City Thunder: Labaron Philon, Alabama

• Average mock draft pick: 13
• AI analysis: "OKC continues stockpiling upside with a creative scoring guard who adds offensive versatility."

13. Miami Heat: Karim Lopez, New Zealand Breakers (NBL)

• Average mock draft pick: 14
• AI analysis: "Miami lands a tough, energetic wing tailor-made for its development system."

14. Charlotte Hornets: Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan

• Average mock draft pick: 12
• AI analysis: "A mature, productive forward gives Charlotte immediate frontcourt reliability."

15. Chicago Bulls: Jayden Quaintance, Kentucky

• Average mock draft pick: 18
• AI analysis: "Chicago makes a high-upside gamble on an elite defensive prospect with game-changing tools."

16. Memphis Grizzlies: Cameron Carr, Baylor

• Average mock draft pick: 15
• AI analysis: "Memphis adds perimeter shooting and athleticism to complement its frontcourt cornerstone."

17. Oklahoma City Thunder: Dailyn Swain, Texas

• Average mock draft pick: 23
• AI analysis: "Another switchable wing fits perfectly into OKC’s defensive identity and ball movement ethos."

18. Charlotte Hornets: Hannes Steinbach, Washington

• Average mock draft pick: 17
• AI analysis: "Charlotte invests in interior size and rebounding to stabilize its young core."

19. Toronto Raptors: Bennett Stirtz, Iowa

• Average mock draft pick: 19
• AI analysis: "Toronto secures a steady, efficient guard to organize its offense and limit mistakes."

20. San Antonio Spurs: Chris Cenac Jr., Houston

• Average mock draft pick: 21
• AI analysis: "San Antonio adds an athletic big who complements its frontcourt with energy and defense."

21. Detroit Pistons: Christian Anderson, Texas Tech

• Average mock draft pick: 20
• AI analysis: "Detroit strengthens its guard depth with a pass-first playmaker who enhances ball movement."

22. Philadelphia 76ers: Morez Johnson Jr., Michigan

• Average mock draft pick: 16
• AI analysis: "Philadelphia adds physicality and rebounding to bolster its frontcourt rotation."

23. Atlanta Hawks: Koa Peat, Arizona

• Average mock draft pick: 25
• AI analysis: "Atlanta brings in a physical forward who adds toughness and interior scoring."

24. New York Knicks: Allen Graves, Santa Clara

• Average mock draft pick: 22
• AI analysis: "New York targets a productive, hard-nosed forward who fits its identity and rotation needs."

25. Los Angeles Lakers: Ebuka Okorie, Stanford

• Average mock draft pick: 24
• AI analysis: "Los Angeles injects youth and scoring ability into its backcourt rotation."

26. Denver Nuggets: Meleek Thomas Arkansas

• Average mock draft pick: 27
• AI analysis: "Denver adds a scoring guard who can carry bench units and relieve offensive pressure."

27. Boston Celtics: Isaiah Evans, Duke

• Average mock draft pick: 26 (appeared in 12/13 mock drafts)
• AI analysis: "Boston selects a long, floor-spacing wing who fits seamlessly into its spacing-heavy system."

28. Minnesota Timberwolves: Henri Veesaar, North Carolina

• Average mock draft pick: 29 (appeared in 12/13 mock drafts)
• AI analysis: "Minnesota adds a mobile big to deepen its frontcourt and protect against lineup matchup issues."

29. Cleveland Cavaliers: Tarris Reed Jr., UConn

• Average mock draft pick: 30 (appeared in 10/13 mock drafts)
• AI analysis: "Cleveland strengthens its interior toughness with a physical rebounder built for playoff basketball."

30. Dallas Mavericks: Joshua Jefferson, Iowa State

• Average mock draft pick: 28 (appeared in 11/13 mock drafts)
• AI analysis: "Dallas lands a versatile forward whose feel and defensive flexibility fit a modern, balanced roster build."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NBA mock draft 2026: AI predicts first round picks after latest rumors

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A brutal night for Victor Wembanyama continued even after he returned to his New York hotel on Wednesday, as he was pelted with boos from jeering Knicks fans and nearly struck by a flying egg.

A video shared online showed at least one egg tossed in the direction of the San Antonio Spurs superstar as he entered his hotel, flanked by security, after the team’s Game 4 loss to the Knicks.

It was not clear who threw the egg. The video showed taunting fans swarming the hotel, a few blocks south of Madison Square Garden.

Related: Wembanyama condemns apparent attacks on Spurs fans in New York during NBA finals

A few seconds after the egg cracks on a street sign, Wembanyama turns around and confronts a person standing near the hotel’s entrance, before continuing inside.

The Spurs did not immediately respond to a request seeking clarity on whether the object struck Wembanyama.

The confrontation followed a historic collapse by the Spurs, who now find themselves on the brink of elimination after blowing a 29-point lead to the Knicks. Wembanyama missed two key free throws in the game’s final minutes.

The Knicks’ victory prompted scenes of bedlam and jubilation across New York City, as ecstatic fans packed the streets, set off fireworks, scaled lamp-posts and at times clashed with police. According to the New York police department, 56 people were taken into custody for charges that ranged from assault to disorderly conduct.

“Once again, there were large crowds of people who engaged in incredibly reckless and dangerous behavior last night both during and after the game,” the police department said in a statement.

An NYPD spokesperson said they had nothing on file about the egg incident.

Earlier this week, players from both teams condemned apparent attacks on Spurs fans by supporters of the Knicks. Video had circulated showing San Antonio fans having their jerseys ripped off in the streets of New York after the Spurs’ win in Game 3 on Monday.

“My thoughts of course [are] that we can’t forget it’s a game,” Spurs star Victor Wembanyama said about the incidents. “We’re just playing a game out there. I am all for passion, but [with] the respect of each other. It’s unacceptable.”

Added Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns: “The game is built off of respect and passion. We want everyone to respect each other. We want everyone to enjoy basketball at its purest state. It’s the NBA finals. There’s no better place to watch basketball. Leave the physicality to everyone on the court.”