The USMNT were in the thick of their World Cup build-up, but it was the Knicks who ended up stealing the spotlight.
New York’s 107-106 Game 4 victory over the Spurs was not just another result. The Knicks erased a 29-point deficit, making it the biggest comeback in NBA Finals history.
The win pushed New York into a 3-1 series lead, leaving the franchise one victory away from its first championship since 1973.
Tyler Adams wears Knicks nerves as USMNT reacts to history
The USMNT’s social media team summed up the scene perfectly: “Someone check on Knicks fan Tyler Adams.”
Adams has always been open about his Knicks fandom. The midfielder grew up in Wappingers Falls, New York, came through the Red Bulls academy, and has backed his hometown team throughout their Finals run.
His “Knicks in four” prediction did not survive San Antonio’s Game 3 win, but Game 4 almost made up for it. The USMNT video showed players losing it as OG Anunoby’s late tip-in sealed a comeback that will now sit in Finals history.
USMNT squad shares links across the NBA
Adams is the most vocal Knicks supporter in the squad, but he is not the only one with NBA ties.
Christian Pulisic has been spotted courtside at Madison Square Garden, while Weston McKennie’s Texas roots have often placed him near Dallas Mavericks conversations. Sergiño Dest, meanwhile, has shown his support for the Chicago Bulls in the past.
But none of those connections run as deep as Adams’ bond with New York. That is why the USMNT post hit home, because everyone knew whose nerves were on the line.
Knicks fever hits as USMNT prepares for World Cup opener
The timing made it even better. New York is in the middle of a rare sports moment, with the Knicks on the verge of ending a 53-year title drought and the World Cup set to kick off on home soil.
The USMNT opens its tournament against Paraguay, carrying real hope under Mauricio Pochettino. Pulisic, Adams, McKennie, and the rest of the squad know this is the biggest summer in American soccer in years.
But for one night, all of that could wait. The Knicks gave the USMNT a reason to put everything else aside, if only for a few minutes.
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