New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby said he intended to dunk the ball during his game-winning tip-in in Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals.
The revelation adds a layer of serendipity to one of the most significant moments in the franchise's history. The play served as the climax of a historic comeback at Madison Square Garden, where the Knicks overcame a 29-point deficit [2].
Anunoby discussed the play during an appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers. He said that while the result was a tip-in, his initial goal was a more aggressive finish. "I was trying to dunk on that game-winning tip-in," Anunoby said [1].
The game took place on June 11, 2026 [4]. Anunoby finished the contest with 33 points, marking a career playoff high for the forward [2]. The victory gave the Knicks a 3-1 lead in the series [2].
Mike Brown said the play was the most iconic shot in the history of New York basketball [0]. The momentum from the Game 4 victory carried the team through the remainder of the series. In his interview, Anunoby said that the team ultimately won the 2026 NBA Championship [5].
"We finally got that championship. It feels unreal," Anunoby said [5].
The victory marks a milestone for the New York organization, which has long sought a title in the modern era. The combination of a massive comeback and a fortuitous game-winning play has cemented the moment in local sports lore.
“"I was trying to dunk on that game-winning tip-in."”
The admission that the game-winning shot was an accidental tip-in rather than a planned play highlights the unpredictable nature of high-stakes sports. By overcoming a 29-point deficit to secure the 2026 NBA Championship, the Knicks have established a psychological blueprint for resilience that will likely define this era of the franchise.
