De’Aaron Fox’s Fateful Decision Haunts the Spurs After Devastating Game 4 Loss The San Antonio Spurs faced a pivotal moment in Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the New York Knicks when De’Aaron Fox’s attempt to secure a game-winning layup was blocked by OG Anunoby. The 107-106 loss, which extended the Knicks’ series lead to 3-1, became a focal point of the Spurs’ struggles, with Fox’s decision to chase the ball down the sideline proving critical. The play unfolded in the final 11 seconds of the game, as Fox, known for his elite speed, believed he could outrun Anunoby to finish the break and give the Spurs a three-point lead. Fox’s plan relied on a misdirection that initially seemed to work. Anunoby, tasked with defending the long rebound off a missed 3-pointer by Jalen Brunson, ran in the wrong direction, allowing Fox to poke the ball past him and sprint toward the basket. Despite a brief stumble when Anunoby bumped him during the sprint, Fox pressed forward, confident in his ability to outmaneuver the Knicks’ wing defender. However, Anunoby quickly recovered, positioning himself to block the layup and sending the Spurs into a spiral. The block, which occurred with 11 seconds remaining, became the catalyst for the Spurs’ downfall. Fox’s post-game explanation centered on his intent to secure the layup and force the Knicks to take a difficult 3-pointer. “I just thought I’d be able to outrun him,” he said, acknowledging the disconnect between his mental preparation and the outcome. The Spurs’ inability to protect their lead, which had been built in all four games of the series, now seemed to hinge on this single moment. Fox’s decision, however, was not without context.#new_york_knicks #de_aaron_fox #san_antonio_spurs #jalen_brunson #og_anunoby
Spurs Coach Mitch Johnson Defends De'Aaron Fox Amid NBA Finals Struggles SAN ANTONIO -- Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson reaffirmed his unwavering support for guard De'Aaron Fox on Friday, despite the player’s struggles in Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the New York Knicks. The loss, which saw San Antonio surrender a 29-point lead and allow the Knicks to stage the largest comeback in NBA Finals history, left Fox in the spotlight for his performance. Johnson emphasized his commitment to the player, stating that his focus remains on the team’s internal perspective rather than external opinions. “I don’t get into social media,” Johnson said. “I think I’ve been fired 212 times, and we’ve traded Fox 72 times. People have their opinions. I don’t care. I care what the people that matter in our building, our organization, in that locker room, that they know how I feel. De'Aaron Fox will have the basketball in his hands at the end of the game tomorrow, and I have the utmost confidence he’s going to deliver like he’s done countless times for us.” Fox’s performance in Game 4 was marred by turnovers and missed opportunities. The Spurs’ guard shot 1-of-5 in the fourth quarter and committed four turnovers, including a critical defensive lapse that allowed Knicks wing OG Anunoby to tip in a Jalen Brunson miss in the final seconds. The play, which capped the Knicks’ historic comeback, left San Antonio trailing 108-107. Fox had the ball with 13.1 seconds left and a one-point lead, but Anunoby’s block set up the game-winning tip. Analysts noted that Fox could have avoided the turnover by holding the ball until a foul, which would have sent him to the free-throw line. Despite the criticism, Fox remained composed, dismissing the noise around him. “It’s not like people have my phone number and can call me,” he said with a smile.#spurs #new_york_knicks #de_aaron_fox #mitch_johnson #og_anunoby
2026 NBA Finals: Knicks Edge Spurs in Game 2, Extend Winning Streak The New York Knicks defied historical trends and statistical odds to secure a hard-fought 105-104 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 2 of the 2026 NBA Finals. Despite the Spurs’ strong historical performance in road Game 2s—where road teams that won Game 1 were 2-16 in the following game, with an average deficit of 11.3 points—the Knicks’ resilience and clutch play kept them ahead in the series. The win extended their winning streak to 13 games and brought them within two victories of their first championship in decades. The game’s defining moments began in the fourth quarter, where the Knicks built a 14-point lead after a dunk by OG Anunoby and a 2-0 series advantage. ESPN Analytics gave New York a 98.2% chance to win at that point. However, the Spurs mounted a dramatic comeback, fueled by their left-handed backcourt duo of Dylan Harper and De'Aaron Fox, who scored 14 consecutive points to tie the game. The Spurs’ resurgence culminated in a tense final minute, during which San Antonio’s star center, Victor Wembanyama, became the focal point. Wembanyama’s performance was a mix of brilliance and frustration. He scored 29 points, grabbed nine rebounds, and added four blocks and two steals, leading the Spurs to a +6 net rating in his 40 minutes. His post moves and transition dunks, including a highlight-reel alley-oop dunk and an and-1 layup, showcased his potential as a generational talent. However, his struggles from beyond the arc highlighted the pressure of the moment. Wembanyama missed two critical midrange jumpers in the final minutes, both within 20-21 feet of the basket and against close defenders. His career shooting percentage on similar shots was 34%, yet he failed to convert either attempt.#new_york_knicks #de_aaron_fox #san_antonio_spurs #dylan_harper #og_anunoby
Jalen Brunson Shines in NBA Finals as Spurs Struggle in Clutch Moments The New York Knicks’ Jalen Brunson delivered a standout performance in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, leading his team to a 105-95 victory over the San Antonio Spurs and securing a 1-0 series lead. Brunson’s ability to perform under pressure highlighted his status as one of the league’s premier playoff performers, while the Spurs struggled to find consistency in critical moments. The game, which saw the Knicks dominate the fourth quarter, underscored the gap between Brunson’s clutch play and the Spurs’ inability to match his impact. Brunson’s 30-point effort in the fourth quarter was pivotal, as the Knicks’ offense surged while the Spurs faltered. The Spurs managed only 19 points in the final period, a stark contrast to Brunson’s 13 fourth-quarter points. His ability to create his own shots and convert high-pressure opportunities defined the game. Since the start of the 2023 postseason, Brunson has been the NBA’s most reliable player in clutch situations—defined as games within five points with under five minutes remaining. He has attempted and made more clutch field goals than any other player, with only 14.8% of his clutch makes assisted, indicating his willingness to take and make the biggest shots independently. The Spurs’ struggles extended beyond Brunson’s heroics. San Antonio’s offense sputtered in the second half, shooting just 28.6% from the field in the fourth quarter. Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs’ star, contributed only 11 points in the final frame, shooting 3-of-8 and committing two turnovers. His teammates failed to support him, as the Spurs as a team struggled to generate quality looks.#new_york_knicks #de_aaron_fox #san_antonio_spurs #victor_wembanyama #jalen_brunson
De’Aaron Fox’s Ankle Injury Hampers Spurs’ Western Conference Finals Push The San Antonio Spurs face mounting challenges in their Western Conference Finals series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, with starting point guard De’Aaron Fox’s lingering ankle injury significantly impacting his performance. The injury, sustained during the Spurs’ previous series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, has left Fox struggling to replicate his pre-playoff form, raising concerns about the team’s ability to avoid elimination in a 3-2 deficit. Fox, who missed the first two games of the Thunder series due to the injury, has since returned to the lineup but has not been at his usual peak. In Game 5, he scored just nine points on 26.7% shooting, marking a stark contrast to his regular-season averages. Over the three games against Oklahoma City, Fox has averaged 12 points, seven rebounds, and 6.3 assists while shooting 38.1% from the field. However, his performance has been inconsistent, with analysts noting a noticeable decline in his efficiency and overall impact. NBA insiders have weighed in on the issue, with ESPN’s Brian Windhorst highlighting the severity of Fox’s condition. “Look, I know De’Aaron Fox is playing on a high ankle sprain that normally, in the regular season, he’s probably sitting (with),” Windhorst said on The Hoop Collective Podcast. “He goes four of 15 (in Game 5).” Windhorst’s comments underscore the belief that Fox’s injury is altering his game, preventing him from operating at his usual level. The Spurs’ reliance on Fox has become a critical factor in their playoff campaign. During the regular season, he was the team’s second-highest scorer, averaging 18.6 points per game.#de_aaron_fox #san_antonio_spurs #oklahoma_city_thunder #minnesota_timberwolves #brian_windhorst
Spurs vs. Blazers Prediction, Odds, and Line for Wednesday, April 8 The San Antonio Spurs and Portland Trail Blazers are set to face off in a matchup that carries significant implications for their respective seasons. The game, scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, will see the Spurs, the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, take on the Blazers, who are ninth in the conference. The Spurs, with a record of 60-19, are coming off a 115-102 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, while the Blazers fell to the Denver Nuggets 132-137 in their previous game. The Spurs will be without key players Stephon Castle (knee) and Victor Wembanyama (ribs), both of whom were instrumental in their recent win. Castle’s absence is a major setback, as he contributed a triple-double in that game. The Blazers, meanwhile, are expected to rely on their core players, including Deni Avdija and De’Aaron Fox, to carry the load. Fox, in particular, could benefit from the Spurs’ depleted roster, as multiple key players are sidelined. The game’s betting line has the Spurs as 3.5-point favorites, with the over/under set at 229.5 points. The Spurs’ home-court advantage is a critical factor, as they have a strong 30-7 record on their home floor this season. The Blazers, however, have struggled on the road, posting a 18-22 record. Their performance in the Western Conference has been inconsistent, and they will need to rely on their depth and resilience to compete against a motivated Spurs team. SportsLine’s Projection Model, which simulates every NBA game 10,000 times, has provided insights into the matchup. The model predicts the Blazers will have five players scoring 12 or more points, with Avdija expected to lead the way with 22.4 points. Fox is projected to score 22.#de_aaron_fox #san_antonio_spurs #frost_bank_center #portland_trail_blazers #deni_avdija
San Antonio Spurs rookie guard Dylan Harper couldn’t be in a better position The San Antonio Spurs’ No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft has quickly become a key contributor to a team contending for an NBA title, defying expectations for a rookie drafted in the top five. Guard Dylan Harper, 20, has carved out a significant role for the Spurs despite being selected behind a starting backcourt of two-time NBA All-Star De’Aaron Fox and 2025 Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle. Harper’s ability to thrive as a reserve has positioned him to play meaningful minutes in the playoffs, a rarity for a rookie in the league. Harper’s journey began with a challenging adjustment to the NBA. After being drafted by the Spurs, he initially struggled to find his role, often coming off the bench for the first time in his life. However, as the season progressed, he adapted to the role, forming a strong bond with fellow rookies KJ Martin and Luke Kornet. The trio has developed a cohesive unit, competing with the first-string starters while maintaining a high level of performance. “It’s definitely a challenge and different,” Harper said, reflecting on the unique dynamic of playing behind a top-tier starting lineup. “But what’s so scary is that the first lineup is so good and the second lineup is just as good.” Despite his reserve status, Harper has made a significant impact on the court. Entering the matchup against the Golden State Warriors, he averaged 11.5 points (on 49.8% shooting), 3.9 assists, and 3.4 rebounds in 22.3 minutes per game. His efficiency and playmaking ability have earned him a spot among the league’s top rookies, though he remains behind several high-profile peers on the NBA Rookie Ladder.#de_aaron_fox #san_antonio_spurs #victor_wembanyama #stephon_castle #dylan_harper
San Antonio Spurs vs Memphis Grizzlies injury report: Who's playing, injured and questionable players, head-to-head records, team stats, and more (March 25, 2026) The San Antonio Spurs will face the Memphis Grizzlies on March 25, 2026, in an NBA matchup at FedExForum. The game, scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, pits a top-tier team against one struggling to avoid a poor season. The Spurs enter the contest with a 54-18 record, still in playoff contention, while the Grizzlies sit at 24-47 and aim to avoid finishing near the bottom of the standings. Despite the gap in overall performance, injuries on both sides could influence the outcome. The Spurs’ injury report shows limited absences, though key players are sidelined. De’Aaron Fox, a guard averaging 17.6 points and 6.3 assists over the past 20 games, is out with lower back tightness. Luke Kornet is unavailable due to a right knee issue, and David Jones-Garcia remains out for the season after ankle surgery. Memphis, however, faces a more severe injury list, with ten players sidelined. This has forced the Grizzlies to rely on G-League call-ups like Cedric Coward and adjust their roster to compensate for the depth loss. The Grizzlies’ injury list includes several long-term absences. Ja Morant, their star point guard, is out for the season after a left elbow UCL sprain. Santi Aldama, a power forward, is also out for the year following knee surgery. Zach Edey, a center, is sidelined with an ankle injury, while Scotty Pippen Jr. is out for the season after right big toe surgery. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a shooting guard, is out following finger and post-surgery complications. Brandon Clarke, a forward, is out with a right calf strain, and Ty Jerome is sidelined with a left ankle sprain. Jaylen Wells, another forward, is out with a right great toe injury.#de_aaron_fox #san_antonio_spurs #memphis_grizzlies #fedexforum #ja_morant
De'Aaron Fox Falls Short of Double-Double in Clippers Victory De'Aaron Fox contributed 19 points, 9 field goals made out of 18 attempts, and 1 three-pointer made out of 8 attempts, along with two rebounds, nine assists, and one steal in the Sacramento Kings' 116-112 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday. The 28-year-old guard narrowly missed recording his seventh double-double of the season, falling just short of the double-digit mark in rebounds. Fox has now gone 13 consecutive games without reaching double figures in assists, marking a slight decline in his playmaking role. During this stretch, he has averaged 16.2 points, 6.0 assists, 2.8 rebounds, 1.6 three-pointers, and 1.2 steals per game, despite maintaining a 50.0% shooting accuracy from the field. His overall impact remains significant, though his role in orchestrating the offense has seen a modest reduction in usage. The Kings' victory extended their winning streak, with Fox's performance playing a key role in securing the win. His ability to balance scoring and playmaking continues to be a vital asset for the team, even as his assist numbers have dipped slightly in recent games. The result highlights the importance of his all-around contributions in driving the team's success.#nba #double_double #de_aaron_fox #los_angeles_clippers #sacramento_kings
De'Aaron Fox flirts with double-double Friday against Clippers De'Aaron Fox nearly recorded a double-double in the Spurs' 116-112 victory over the Clippers on Friday. The guard contributed 19 points, including 9 of 18 field goals and 1 of 8 three-pointers, along with nine assists, one steal, and two rebounds. His performance helped secure the win for San Antonio, showcasing his ability to impact the game both offensively and playmaking-wise. Fox has been consistent in his contributions over the past five games, posting three or more assists and seven or more points in each contest. This consistency has made him a reliable option for head coach Mitch Johnson, who has relied on Fox's versatility within a deep San Antonio roster. The guard’s efforts have translated to solid averages this season, with 18.8 points and 6.2 assists per game, alongside a usage rate of 24.3%. His ability to distribute the ball and score efficiently has been a key factor in the Spurs' success, particularly in high-pressure matchups. Against the Clippers, Fox’s nine assists highlighted his role as a playmaker, while his 19 points demonstrated his scoring capability. The performance also underscored his adaptability, as he managed to contribute in multiple facets of the game despite facing a strong defensive challenge from the Clippers. Fox’s recent stretch of productivity has positioned him as a critical piece of the Spurs' offensive strategy. His combination of scoring, playmaking, and defensive contributions has made him a valuable asset for the team, especially in games where the Spurs need to generate consistent production from their backcourt. As the season progresses, Fox’s ability to maintain this level of performance will be crucial for the Spurs’ chances of competing in the competitive Western Conference.#san_antonio #spurs #de_aaron_fox #clippers #mitch_johnson
Spurs' De'Aaron Fox: Just Misses Double-Double Friday De'Aaron Fox contributed 19 points, nine assists, two rebounds, and one steal in the San Antonio Spurs' 116-112 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday. The 28-year-old guard fell short of recording his seventh double-double of the season, finishing with 19 points on 9-of-18 shooting from the field and 1-of-8 from beyond the arc. His performance came over 30 minutes of play, marking a key contribution to the Spurs' win. Fox's near double-double highlights a recent trend in his game. Over the past 13 consecutive games, he has failed to reach double digits in assists, a departure from his earlier season output. During this stretch, he has averaged 16.2 points, 6.0 assists, 2.8 rebounds, 1.6 three-pointers, and 1.2 steals per game. Despite the decline in assist numbers, his shooting efficiency remains strong, with a 50.0% field goal percentage. The Spurs' victory over the Clippers showcased Fox's ability to impact the game in multiple ways. While his assist total fell short of a double-double, his scoring and playmaking helped drive the team's offensive efforts. The result underscores his value as a versatile offensive threat, even when his traditional assist numbers dip. Fox's performance also reflects a broader adjustment in his role within the Spurs' system. As his usage has slightly decreased, his focus has shifted toward scoring and ball distribution, with the team relying on him to create opportunities for teammates. This balance has allowed him to maintain a high level of production while adapting to the team's evolving strategies. The game against the Clippers provided a clear example of Fox's impact.#de_aaron_fox #san_antonio_spurs #los_angeles_clippers #double_double #spurs_v_clippers
