Millions of Americans were stunned by the New York Knicks’ historic comeback on Wednesday night – and the US National Team was no exception.
On the eve of the World Cup, the United States was gripped by the Knicks’ Game 4 showdown against the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals, including the nation’s own soccer team.
More than a dozen USMNT players gathered around a projector in their team hotel to watch as the Knicks produced the biggest comeback in NBA Finals history.
The soccer stars were on the edge of their seats when, with seconds remaining, OG Anunoby charged after Jalen Brunson’s 3-point attempt and tipped the rebound into the net to seal the 107-106 win.
The last-gasp shot, which completed a miraculous comeback from a 29-point deficit, sparked wild scenes inside the USMNT camp.
The players erupted into a raucous celebration, almost blowing the roof off with their thunderous cheers.
The USMNT erupted into wild celebrations as they watched the Knicks’ comeback win
OG Anunoby rises above the crowd to make the game-winning tip shot against the Spurs
USMNT captain Tyler Adams flung himself over the back of the couch, perilously leaping over the cushions and leaving soccer fans’ hearts in their mouths.
In the chaos, the midfielder, a Knicks fan who hails from Wappingers Falls, New York, saw his right foot slide off the cushion and slip between two couches.
He tumbled towards goalkeeper Matt Turner, who was documenting the celebrations on his phone.
It perhaps wasn’t the smartest – nor safest – move less than 48 hours before the USMNT’s World Cup opener but the skipper couldn’t hold himself back.
Meanwhile, his teammates were throwing themselves around the room in similar states of euphoria.
A group of around five players piled on top of Haji Wright, who sat on the couch that Adams had just evacuated, shaking his shoulders in jubilation.
However, a disgruntled Wright looked far from impressed. The forward hails from Los Angeles and is believed to be a Lakers fan.
Amid the chaotic scenes USMNT captain Tyler Adams flung himself over the back of the coach
The American players, who begin their World Cup on Friday, piled on top of one another
Crystal Palace star Chris Richards could be seen joining the fray as he piled on the top
The team will be hoping they can inspire similar scenes across the country in the coming weeks.
The USA, which is co-hosting the World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico, kickstarts its campaign on Friday with an opener against Paraguay.
The Americans will later face Australia and Turkey in their bid to make it out of the group stage.
The US team is based at Great Park Sports Complex in Irvine, California for the duration of the tournament.
