HOUSTON, TX — The Houston Rockets moved to the brink of their first NBA championship since 1995, defeating the New York Knicks 111-90 in Game 4 of the NBA Finals to take a commanding 3-1 series lead.

Kevin Durant continued his dominant Finals performance, scoring 26 points and taking control after halftime. The veteran forward scored 15 of his points in the fourth quarter, putting the finishing touches on another Houston victory.

The Knicks entered the game with urgency and looked poised to even the series early. New York shot 53% in the first half and carried a 43-40 lead into the locker room behind Mitchell Robinson, who scored 14 points and grabbed 7 rebounds before the break.

But the Rockets made their move in the second half.

Houston outscored New York 34-28 in the third quarter to seize control, then overwhelmed the Knicks 37-19 in the final frame. Durant spearheaded the surge while Houston’s defense tightened around New York’s primary scorers.

It was another difficult start for Jalen Brunson, who failed to score in the first half. By the time he found his rhythm, the Rockets had already taken command. Brunson finished with 17 points and 2 assists.

Reed Sheppard continued to provide a spark off the bench with 19 points, while Alperen Şengün controlled the glass with 11 rebounds.

Robinson finished with 18 points, matching Karl-Anthony Towns for the team lead, but the Knicks struggled to generate consistent offense once Houston’s defense locked in after halftime.

Now facing a 3-1 deficit, New York returns to Madison Square Garden needing three consecutive victories to capture the title. History is not on the Knicks’ side. The only team to overcome a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals was the Cleveland Cavaliers, who rallied past the Golden State Warriors in 2016 behind LeBron James.

One more victory will give Houston its first NBA championship in more than three decades.