When Ireland played in the last World Cup to be hosted by the USA, security and visa controversies, and sky-high ticket prices weren’t an issue.

Terry Phelan has recalled how Ireland got through US airport security ahead of the 1994 World Cup with EIGHT kegs of Guinness in their luggage – and partied with U2 after the win against Italy.

One of the stars of Ireland’s campaign 32 years ago, Phelan fears this year’s tournament could be ruined by off-field controversies such as over-the-top security, ticket prices and visa problems.

Senegal and Uzbekistan players and staff were both subjected to unusually rigorous security protocols and searches as they arrived in North Carolina and New York respectively.

Somalian referee Omar Artan was sent home and told that he would not be able to officiate at this summer’s finals after US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) prevented him from entering the country.

Iran can only enter and leave the US on the days of their games, while Iraqi striker Aymen Hussein was held for questioning for several hours at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport.

Things ran a lot more smoothly the last time the World Cup was staged in the USA when Phelan was a member of the Jack Charlton side that beat Italy in the Giants Stadium.

Asked what he remembered about security around the 1994 finals, he said: “When you are bringing eight kegs of Guinness through with you, it’s okay, isn’t it?

“We’re the Irish, who’s going to stop the Irish from coming into the USA? Nobody.

“We finished a game in Ireland and Jack said, ‘Right guys, we’ve got to behave ourselves’. And we did behave ourselves.

“He said, ‘You can have a few Guinnesses on the way, on the plane, play your cards and do all that, and when you stop off you can have a few more, but when you get to the hotel you’ve got to finish the kegs of Guinness off and that’s it.

“So when you are talking about visas and certain people not getting in, we were totally fine.

“Then when you are meeting the heads of states and all that, it was absolutely brilliant. We had no problem at all.

“I think it just spoils it. When teams get in, or one or two players can’t get in, then the referee can’t get in, it just spoils the whole occasion.

“There was one player (Iraq’s Hussein), I think he was in an office for nine hours. He didn’t know what was going on, he was just there for nine hours.

“And when a team has to fly in on the same day, go and play, and then fly out again, it’s sad, isn’t it? You have teams (Iran) having to play a game, then get out of the country and go to Mexico, and go back in again.”

Phelan and his teammates had more freedom of movement in 1994 than players this time around can expect.

They even forged a friendship with some local cops while they were in Orlando for the game against Mexico.

“We’d pop out to a restaurant and everything was great, we had no problems,” he said.

“Even with the police around us, I remember two policemen saying, ‘Listen, we are going to the Everglades, would you like to come?’.

“So a couple of the lads, John Charlton (son of Jack) and a couple of the lads, we said yeah.

“They took us out all day to the Everglades, took us to a little hut and said, let’s crack open a few beers and we’ll do some fishing. It was absolutely brilliant.

“We were there in the Everglades and it was fantastic.

“These were police officers in the cars driving in front of the coach going to the games. We were getting out of the coach, after the game we had a couple of days off, and they turned and said, guys do you want to see anything.

“So some guys said, ‘We’d love to see the Everglades’.

“They said, ‘We’ll make that happen for you, be down in the morning and we’ll take you out’.

“So the next morning they put us in the cop car. I thought, sh*t, they’re taking us to jail! They put us in the car, took us out, we went to this little cottage, they cracked open the fridge.

“They said they came down every weekend.

“They said, ‘Right, we’ll get the boat out and take you down the Everglades’, and it was absolutely brilliant.

“We arrived in the Everglades at 10 o’clock in the morning and left around eight at night. It was absolutely brilliant.

“I’d love to know where those two policemen are now because they gave us a fantastic day, a proper day out.”

One of his fondest World Cup memories was the night out with U2 after the win against Italy.

“We had a bit of a knees-up after it. U2 were around the hotel and we went out with them, and it was absolutely brilliant,” he said.

“When we were in Orlando we went down, I think it was called Church Street. It was just like a carnival. It was brilliant, we had no hassle, there were all types of fans.

“It was my first World Cup. Obviously some of the guys had played in ‘88 and ‘90, so their experience was there.

“Talking to the guys like Andy Townsend, Ray Houghton, Steve Staunton, big Niall Quinn and Paul McGrath about what life was like, they just said it was intense. They said, ‘Just keep calm and enjoy yourself while you’re here, because you might never get to a World Cup again’.

“We had such fun.”

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Labour announced in the Autumn Budget 2025 that it would change the tax allowance rules

A major tax change is set to be introduced imminently that will impact certain state pensioners. The significant policy shift will alter the amount of tax some pensioners are obliged to pay.

Labour revealed in the Autumn Budget 2025 that it would modify the tax allowance regulations so that individuals receiving solely the state pension without additional increments will be exempt from paying income tax. This new provision was announced as the full new state pension is forecast to surpass the personal allowance threshold from next April, forcing those whose only income is the state pension into paying income tax.

At present, you can earn £12,570 per year without incurring income tax under the personal allowance. However, the full new state pension now delivers £241.30 weekly, or £12,547.60 annually.

The triple lock mechanism guarantees state pension payments rise each April in line with whichever is highest among three measures: average earnings growth, inflation or 2.5 per cent. As a result, the full new state pension will inevitably exceed the threshold and incur a tax liability following the April 2027 increase.

Nevertheless, the Government has yet to set out the complete details of how the new tax exemption will operate. Kate Smith, head of public affairs at investment platform Aegon UK, commented on the change: “State pensioners receive either the new or old basic state pension.

“At £12,547 a year, the new state pension is edging closer to the standard annual personal allowance of £12.570, which is frozen until April 5, 2031. The Government has committed that no one receiving only the new or old state Pension, without increments, will have to pay income tax during this Parliament.”

Ms Smith offered her perspective on what putting the new tax policy into practice is likely to entail. She said: “We still have no details on how this will work in practice, but we expect there to be a new allowance for pensioners identified by HM Revenue and Customs as receiving only the state pension and having no other pension income.

“This will need to be updated annually to ensure it keeps pace with triple lock increases to the state pension.” Senior HMRC officials have previously indicated that legislation would likely need to be introduced to bring this into effect, and that this could form part of the autumn finance bill, reports the Liverpool Echo.

The Treasury was recently approached for an update on the tax change policy. An HM Treasury spokesperson said: “Anyone whose only income is the full new or basic state pension without any increments will not pay income tax and we are committed to that over this Parliament.

“By keeping the triple lock, 12 million pensioners will see their income rise by up to £470 this year, and they continue to benefit from the highest personal allowance in the G7.”

The department further confirmed that work on this policy is currently progressing, and that further details will be announced in due course. Chancellor Rachel Reeves was previously questioned about the policy amendment in March. She told the Treasury Committee: “We are working on how that will work at the moment, but we have been clear that, if your only income is from the new state pension, you will not be subject to income tax during the course of this Parliament. We will set out details later this year on how that will happen.”

Another major alteration to the state pension on the horizon relates to the age at which people become entitled to the DWP benefit, which is due to rise gradually. The qualifying age will climb in phases from 66 to 67, between April 2026 and April 2028.

Legislation is also already in place for a further increase from 67 to 68, planned to occur between 2044 and 2046. To verify how much state pension you are expected to receive, you can utilise the state pension forecast tool accessible on the Government website.

An individual typically requires 35 years of National Insurance contributions to receive the full new state pension. If there are shortfalls in your record, you may be permitted to make voluntary payments to address them. This can only be done for up to six tax years retrospectively.

Billionaire Bill Gates testified in a closed-door hearing before the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft and one of the world’s most prominent philanthropists, told members he had no knowledge of Epstein’s crimes and that Epstein attempted to use information about his personal life to pressure him.

During his opening statement, Gates said he exercised poor judgement in meeting Epstein and was “one of many people who regret ever knowing him”.

The BBC’s Gary O’Donoghue breaks down the relationship between Gates and Epstein, and how lawmakers reacted to his testimony.

Ramside Estates, the company behind Hardwick Hall and Ramside Hall Hotel, has rebranded the airport lounge under the Ramside name as part of a wider partnership.

The New Ramside Lounge. (Image: Supplied)

The refreshed Ramside Lounge, open to booking by all passengers, features direct lounge to aircraft boarding for eligible SkyPriority KLM Royal Dutch Airlines passengers.

Phil Forster, managing director of Teesside International Airport, said: “It’s great to have the Ramside name featuring in our lounge and terminal – and have Teesside Airport appearing prominently at The Pin.

“The agreement really reflects the quality and the high calibre of partners we have.

“We look forward to forging a close relationship with John and Ramside Estates over the coming months and years – and we’d urge passengers to experience our brilliant lounge when they travel with us.”

The New Ramside Lounge. (Image: Supplied)

The new partnership also includes cross-promotion at both the airport and Ramside’s venues, encouraging leisure and business travellers to fly from Teesside to destinations such as Alicante, Faro, Majorca, Malaga, and Corfu, as well as connecting globally through Amsterdam Schiphol.

John Adamson, owner and managing director of Ramside Estates, said: “We’re very pleased to agree this partnership with Teesside Airport.

“It provides a key gateway to the world, and we’re proud to have opened the Ramside Lounge in our local airport.

“Like us, the airport has ambitions to grow, and I look forward to the prospect of more flights and destinations.

“Seeing the Ramside name featuring in Teesside Airport’s terminal is a point of pride, and we hope passengers enjoy the lounge and service it provides.”

The collaboration follows Ramside Estates’ long-lease of the former St George Hotel at the airport, with plans to develop a new conference and banqueting centre as part of its long-term vision for the site.

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen said: “The airport is on the up with more flights and more international companies coming to Teesside, doing business and expanding here.

“To have Ramside on board with the hotel, the lounge, and our wider terminal is another big boost – and I hope we have more exciting announcements to share in the future.”

Ramside Estates also operates The Impeccable Pig in Sedgefield, Bowburn Hall, and the newly launched entertainment venue The Pin.

The Flavours of Yorkshire festival will take place over the weekend of July 4 and 5 at Galtres Park, formerly Pickering Showground, with an expected audience from across the region and beyond.

Headlining this year’s event is celebrity chef James Martin, who will host three live cookery demonstrations on Saturday, July 4.

The Flavours of Yorkshire festival will take place over the weekend of July 4 and 5 at Galtres Park, formerly Pickering Showground (Image: Supplied)

Mark Brayshaw, organiser of Flavours of Yorkshire and the force behind the former Malton Food Lover’s Festival, said: “I know that there is still demand, both from the public, who attended the last Malton festival in their droves, and from the local producers who see this as brilliant showcase for their products – not only for sales on the day, but to engage with a loyal customer base through online sales and home delivery.

“We’ve got a brilliant venue here – Galtres Park – where we have space to grow this into a large-scale annual event, with free admission and free on-site parking.

“There’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy, so we’re confident it will be a great weekend.”

The Flavours of Yorkshire festival will take place over the weekend of July 4 and 5 at Galtres Park, formerly Pickering Showground (Image: Supplied)

Sunday’s demo kitchen will feature a line-up of Yorkshire talent, including master patissier Florian Poirot; Gilly Robinson, founder of The Cook’s Place; Yorkshire Pasta founder Kathryn Bumby; Richie Stamp-Mason, development chef at Tofoo & Co; and Masterchef finalist Ollie Farrar from FortySix in Malton.

The festival will also host a curated selection of food and drink producers from across Yorkshire.

Visitors can sample and buy everything from preserves and cheese to baked goods, sweet treats and craft beverages.

Many stalls will offer tastings and the chance to meet the people behind the products.

Free entry and parking are available for all visitors.

Mr Brayshaw said: “This Flavours of Yorkshire event will be friendly, welcoming and full of energy, while also building something new that can grow year on year.

“We’re bringing together some of Yorkshire’s best chefs and producers, but also making sure it remains accessible, with free entry so everyone can come along and enjoy it.”

The programme includes the Whole Hog Barbecue competition, open to the public.

All meat will be provided, and competitors are invited to bring their own flavourings and marinade to impress the judges with a range of pork creations.

Entries must be submitted by June 19 via compbbquk.com/whole-hog-2026.

The festival atmosphere will be enhanced by live music and entertainment across both days.

Organisers promise plenty of space for families and food lovers to relax and enjoy the experience.

For those concerned about missing the British Grand Prix, the race will be shown on a big screen in the festival bar area.

Chef demonstrations will run all weekend, offering practical tips, seasonal ideas and a behind-the-scenes look at professional cooking.

While entry to the festival is free, tickets for James Martin’s Saturday demos must be booked in advance.

All Sunday chef demonstrations are free and do not require booking.

The event is expected to bring visitors from across North Yorkshire and the wider region.

For more details and updates, visit www.rhp-events.co.uk/flavours-of-yorkshire or follow the festival on social media.

Galtres Park is located at Pickering YO18 8EA.

One World Cup referee will be hoping for a quieter time of things when the 2026 tournament kicks off

Wilton Sampaio is the man in charge of the opening game of the World Cup between Mexico and South Africa – four years on from his divisive performance in Qatar. The Brazilian match official has refereed over 250 games across domestic and international competitions, including England’s 2022 quarter-final loss to France.

This match drew major criticism from the English players and fans alike, despite Sampaio awarding two penalties in the Three Lions’ favour. Observers believed the ref had missed multiple incidents throughout the game, including fouls on Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane that would’ve ruled out France’s opener.

Sampaio did not award a free-kick in either instance at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, although he did point to the spot in the second half after Saka was fouled in the box.

Minutes after Olivier Giroud restored France’s lead, the referee awarded another penalty in England’s favour.

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The second spot-kick was only awarded, however, after Sampaio consulted the VAR monitor pitchside to see the foul on Mason Mount. Kane fired his strike over the bar, and England were out of the World Cup in the quarter-finals – but some players felt hard done by thanks to the match official.

Speaking post-match, veteran defender Harry Maguire was open about his issues with Sampaio’s performance. He said: “Really poor, very poor. From minute one: five, six fouls in the first 15 minutes, not one yellow card.

“For me, it’s a foul for the first goal, on Bukayo. I can’t really go into explaining how bad [Sampaio’s] performance really was. I don’t want to go into too much, because I’ll end up getting fined, but it was really, really poor.”

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Maguire wasn’t the only one who had qualms with the Sampaio. Gary Neville, working for ITV, also stuck the boot in. He said: “The referee, I thought he had an absolute nightmare,” Neville said on ITV. “An absolute joke of a referee.

“I am not saying that was all down to England’s defeat, people will say that’s excuses, but he was just a bad referee. Rank, bad.”

Despite that performance gaining widespread criticism – from England fans, at least – Sampaio has been awarded the opening match at this year’s World Cup. The Brazilian will be joined by fellow countrymen Bruno Pires and Bruno Boschilia as assistant referees, with Paraguayan Juan Gabriel Benítez serving as the fourth official.

The VAR will be led by Colombian official Nicolas Gallo, with Frenchman Jerome Brisard and Chilean Juan Lara as support in the video room.

Mexico vs South Africa will kick off on Thursday, June 11 at 8pm to kick off the major tournament. This will follow an opening ceremony featuring Shakira and Burna Boy, alongside a host of other music artists.

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You are scrolling through your feed when a screenshot appears showing a public figure saying something surprising or controversial. Within minutes, it is everywhere. Some are angry, others defend it, memes parody it, and arguments spread across platforms.

Later, you discover the person never quite said that exact quote. The words came from a longer interview, the clip was shortened or an incorrect caption was added. But the screenshot has travelled faster and further than the original video ever did. What people reacted to was a version of the message created through circulation, rather than the message as originally delivered. Sound familiar? This pattern can be seen across nearly every viral moment, from political speeches to celebrity interviews.

Research in media and communication studies has long shown that meaning rarely remains fixed once a message enters circulation.

My work examines how these small shifts accumulate as messages move through digital environments. I describe this process as “message drift”, where content becomes separated from its original context as it is clipped, reposted and reframed across digital platforms.

Message drift rarely occurs in a single dramatic moment. Rather, it emerges through a series of small transformations. Evidence suggests this is driven both by limited user attention, and by platforms that prioritise content which is quick to consume and easy to share. Studies of digital attention show that people engage with information in short, fragmented bursts. Social media platforms tend to amplify content that is easily processed and widely circulated.

My research suggests that audiences interpret statements through contextual cues such as captions, commentary and surrounding visuals. The same words can appear sarcastic, alarming or definitive depending on how they are presented.

During the defamation trial between actors Johnny Depp and Amber Heard, short clips and reaction edits spread rapidly across TikTok and other platforms, with viewers often forming strong opinions from fragments of much longer courtroom proceedings. Different clips, captions and reposts pushed audiences toward opposing interpretations of the same events. Fan culture on social media further intensified online reactions around the case.

The circulation of AI-generated images during the 2024 US election cycle also demonstrated how quickly visual content can detach from its original context. Edited campaign images, parody posts and reposted screenshots spread rapidly across platforms and were repeatedly mistaken for authentic political material. Fabricated visuals were shared and debated at speed before people could verify where they came from or whether they were real.

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Short clips of political speeches are frequently shared with captions that emphasise a particular interpretation, even when the full speech suggests a different tone or meaning. For instance, in 2021, images of a crowded House of Commons circulated online with captions claiming MPs were debating their own pay. The image was used to suggest MPs were paying more attention to their own salaries than to other political issues. In reality, at least one of the images was taken during a different debate and mislabelled.

In older media environments, such as broadcast television, newspapers or official press releases, authority depended on who said something and where it appeared. Online, authority increasingly depends on repetition. The version of a message encountered first, or most frequently over time, often becomes the version people treat as the most accurate or authoritative account.

In my own ongoing research, I have asked participants to respond to edited clips, screenshots and images to test how they interpret messages in different formats. When these differing versions conflict, participants have defended their initial interpretations and challenged others, causing disagreement to escalate into argument.

Why this matters

Conflict is not always about competing interpretations of a single statement, where people disagree about what the same message means. Instead, it often arises because people encountered different versions of that statement in the first place.

Digital platforms themselves further intensify this. Studies of online behaviour show that emotionally engaging content is more likely to attract attention and be shared. These versions are more likely to dominate what audiences encounter. As a result, simplified or emotionally charged versions of messages often travel further than the original. It is quicker to process, easier to repeat and more likely to trigger emotional reactions, all of which are linked to higher engagement.

Over time, this can contribute to wider problems in online communication, including polarisation and misinformation. New digital tools, such as generative AI, make it easier to produce realistic but altered images, video and audio at speed and scale, increasing the likelihood that misleading or context-shifted content can circulate widely.

Next time you come across a clip that you have the urge to share or comment on, ask yourself a few key questions. Where did this message first appear? What context might be missing? And how many different versions of it might now be circulating?

Understanding message drift does not resolve these problems on its own, but it can help people recognise what is happening when online debates escalate.

David Bell, 66, took on the challenge in support of Anxious Minds, a charity supporting ex-serving personnel and their loved ones across the North East.

The retired fusilier began training earlier this year before walking an average of 20 to 30 miles per day.

David Bell, 66, completes a 100-mile charity walk to raise funds for Anxious Minds, which supports veterans and their families (Image: Supplied)

His journey concluded outside Anxious Minds‘ counselling services in Wallsend.

Anxious Minds CEO, Edward Dean, said: “It is absolutely amazing what you can do when you put your mind to it.

“David has done an amazing thing, both to support the charity and the veterans we serve.

“We cannot thank him enough from the bottom of our heart.”

David Bell, 66, completes a 100-mile charity walk to raise funds for Anxious Minds, which supports veterans and their families (Image: Supplied)

Mr Bell’s 100-mile effort has helped raise funds to provide “life-changing” mental health support to veterans and their families.

Anxious Minds serves individuals across the wider region.

The charity offers counselling services and mental health support for veterans and their families.

David Bell, 66, completes a 100-mile charity walk to raise funds for Anxious Minds, which supports veterans and their families (Image: Supplied)

Its dedicated veteran support work aims to address the unique pressures faced by military personnel returning to civilian life.

The organisation has received multiple awards for its services, including the Making a Difference Award at the 2025 Markel 3rd Sector Care Awards and the English Veteran Awards’ Leader of the Year title in 2024.

It also earned gold in the Health and Wellbeing category at the English Veteran Awards in 2022.

The report emphasises that by the time children are at the end of Year 6, they leave as ‘kind and considerate young people’, ready to make ‘positive contributions to their community’

A primary school has been rated ‘strong standard’ in all areas accessed by Ofsted. John Clare Primary School in Helpston, Peterborough has been praised by inspectors for its “‘remarkably well’ achieving pupils who display “impeccable” behaviour.

The school underwent an Ofsted inspection in April and has been rated ‘strong standard’ across seven areas. These areas are: Inclusion, leadership and governance, achievement, curriculum and teaching, attendance and behaviour, personal development and wellbeing and early years.

Inspectors praised the school for having an “ambitious and coherent curriculum” which means all pupils achieve “remarkably well” as well as “learn and develop to an equally impressive standard”.

The report emphasises that by the time children are at the end of Year 6, they leave as “well-rounded, kind and considerate young people, ready to make positive contributions to their community”.

A spokesperson for John Clare Primary School said: “I am absolutely delighted with this outcome. Ofsted saw what I see every day at school, confident, supportive and ambitious learners who thrive in our safe and supportive school environment.”

Inspectors praised leaders’ ambition to guide each pupil to become a ‘good human’ and highlighted that students’ behaviour is “impeccable”.

The report adds: “From youngest to oldest, they work in classrooms that are highly conducive to learning. Staff expect pupils to live up to their high expectations and pupils do just that. The school is not only filled with hard work and concentration, but fun, smiles and laughter.

“Pupils delight in the company of their friends, with kindness characterising these relationships. The oldest pupils keep a keen eye on their younger ‘buddies’, helping them to navigate the ways of the school as they begin their first steps in education.”

John Clare Primary School has five mixed-age classes: Buttercross for reception and year one, Woodgate for years one and two, Broadwheel for years three and four, Swaddywell for years four and five as well as Torpel for year six.

The spokesperson for John Clare Primary School added: “The report reflects the closeness in the school and our ambition to nurture confident and considerate learners. Our pupils are truly at the heart of every decision we make, and I am proud that Ofsted has recognised this. It’s a pleasure to work alongside dedicated teachers and staff members who constantly exceed expectations, helping us to better our school year on year.”

NEW YORK (AP) — A record-breaking comeback, capped off by what could go down as a legendary play.

The long road back to the top of the NBA is almost complete for the New York Knicks, and the step they took Wednesday night was unforgettable.

The Knicks came from 29 points down and moved to the brink of their first championship since 1973 by beating the San Antonio Spurs 107-106 on OG Anunoby’s tip-in with 1.2 seconds remaining.

“That has to be the most iconic shot in the history of New York basketball,” Knicks coach Mike Brown said.

It’s certainly high on the list — as high as Anunoby leaped when Jalen Brunson’s long 3-point shot bounced on the front of the rim, with his right hand stretching high to softly flick it in.

“Right hand from God,” Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns said.

The Knicks, who have just two titles in their 80-year history and hadn’t even been in the finals since 1999, have three chances to win the title, starting with Game 5 on Saturday night in San Antonio.

It looked impossible early, when the Spurs rolled to a 27-point halftime lead. But Brunson helped bring the Knicks back with 36 points and Anunoby finished with 33.

No team had come from more than 24 points down in a finals game, when Boston did it against the Lakers in 2008, since the NBA began keeping detailed play-by-play for all four quarters in 1997. The Spurs led 81-52 in the third quarter.

“We’re a resilient group. We’ve been through a lot,” Anunoby said. “We’ve come back plenty of times when we’re behind. Just staying with it, weathering the storm, not being too down or angry or frustrated.”

The only bigger comeback on record in any playoff game was 31 points by the Los Angeles Clippers against Golden State in Game 2 of a first-round series in 2019.

“You look at it when you’re down 29 of, ‘OK, let’s get it to 20.’ There’s three minutes left in the third quarter, we’re down 18, you’re thinking, ‘Let’s get it to 10,” forward Josh Hart said.

“In the fourth quarter, you’re like, this is winning time. Anything can happen.”

And it did.

The Knicks had their 13-game winning streak snapped in Game 3 and seemed headed for a second straight defeat throughout the first half, when Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs opened the biggest halftime lead by a visiting team in the finals.

But the young Spurs, who made 11 of their first 16 3-pointers, went cold in the second half, going 3 for 17 behind the arc as the Knicks outscored them 58-30.

“We got on our heels — we missed some shots,” Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said. “It’s disappointing, to say the least.”

Delirious fans inside Madison Square Garden sang along to Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” a few minutes after watching something that seemed almost impossible.

Wembanyama had 24 points and 13 rebounds but shot just 9 for 25 from the field.

Road teams had won the first three games, only the second time that had happened in the finals. San Antonio was well on its way to making it 4 for 4.

Knicks scrap watch party and fans have nothing to cheer early

President Donald Trump wasn’t at this game — Taylor Swift was — but the same restrictions remained around Madison Square Garden as when he attended Game 3. That angered the Knicks, who decided not to go forward with plans to hold an outdoor watch party outside the arena.

Inside the building in the first half, there wasn’t much for the hosts to be happy about, either.

But the Knicks gave themselves a chance by limiting the Spurs to 14 points on 4-for-20 shooting in the third quarter, using a 13-0 run to get back in it and cutting it to 90-75 heading to the fourth.

These Knicks, who erased a 22-point deficit in the fourth quarter against Cleveland in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals, just don’t quit. Even when the comeback seemed for naught when Stephon Castle was fouled after the Knicks had taken the lead and made two free throws to put San Antonio back ahead with 30 seconds left, the Knicks had one more rally in them.

Dylan Harper scored 21 points and De’Aaron Fox and Devin Vassell each had 18 for the Spurs, who will try to regroup and send the series back to New York for Game 6 on Tuesday. Only one team — Cleveland in 2016 — has recovered from a 3-1 deficit in the finals.

“I think it began before (the fourth quarter),” Wembanyama said of the Spurs’ collapse. “I can’t really explain it right now. I don’t know. … We clearly weren’t the most hungry in the second half.”

Fans booed Wembanyama when he came on to the floor to warm up about an hour before the game and the Knicks tried to get rough with him, with Mitchell Robinson called for a flagrant foul for hitting him above the shoulders and Jose Alvarado reviewed for one after going below the belt.

Wembanyama — who was also called for a flagrant — stood up OK against the Knicks but will regret the two free throws he missed with 1:47 left and San Antonio leading 104-103.

The Spurs broke to a 12-2 lead, giving them a double-digit advantage in the first quarter of all four games. They kept pouring it on and led 41-22 after one, then extended it to 57-32 when Julian Champagnie’s 3-pointer made them 11 for 16 behind the arc.

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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA