Spurs feeling like Groundhog Day by tying own playoff choke record

It was one of the biggest collapses in NBA history as the San Antonio Spurs blew a 29-point lead and lost Game 4 to the New York Knicks. With the loss, the Spurs felt like it was Groundhog Day as they tied their own playoff choke record, according to NBA beat writer Keerthika Uthayakkumar.

“Spurs have blown their fifth double-digit lead of this postseason, tied for the most in a single playoff run in the play-by-play era. San Antonio did it 5 times in 2003,” Uthayakkumar wrote on X.

The Spurs coughed up many chances in the second half, and it cost them. Significantly, they have blown a double-digit lead in the NBA Finals three times to lose. What was notable about the 2003 Spurs team is that they still won the NBA Title. This team currently trails 3-1 heading back to San Antonio.

Coach Mitch Johnson blamed the loss on a lack of toughness. When they established the lead, they hit three-point shots and played tight defense. But the Knicks slowly crawled back, finding ways to overcome the defense and making adjustments to prevent more three-point conversions.

When this series began, many believed the Spurs would win the NBA Finals. They were the favorites. However, they have failed to hold on to the lead in both home games. Even though they won Game 3, it did not erase the sting of the home defeats. Things became worse following the biggest collapse in NBA Finals history. Now, the Spurs must pick themselves up as they attempt to rally from a 3-1 series deficit.

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