De'Aaron Fox became the target of criticism after Game 4 of the NBA Finals. The San Antonio Spurs guard had a poor second half, including a costly layup attempt in the clutch.
What happened?
De'Aaron Fox's mistake in Game 4 turned a possible 2-2 series into a 3-1 deficit for the Spurs. The team had risen to the top of the Western Conference, with Fox as the secondary star to Victor Wembanyama.
The Spurs' unexpected success in the 2025-26 season was largely due to Fox's standout performances. However, his blunder in Game 4 destroyed the goodwill he had built.
De'Aaron Fox's response
Fox seems unbothered by the criticism, stating "It's not like people have my phone number and can call me. I don't watch those shows. It doesn't matter. It is what it is. You can't change it now. We're trying to move on from that."
The Spurs are ready to keep fighting for a chance to come back in the series. Fox needs to redeem himself with good performances in the remaining games.
What comes next?
The series progresses, with the Spurs preparing to bounce back at home in Game 5. De'Aaron Fox will need to do himself a favor by having a strong performance to make up for his mistake in Game 4.
The Knicks are currently leading the series 3-1, and the Spurs will need to win the next game to stay in contention. De'Aaron Fox's performance will be crucial in determining the outcome of the series.
The Spurs' chances of coming back in the series depend on Fox's ability to put his mistake behind him and focus on the upcoming games. With the support of his teammates, Fox can help the Spurs make a comeback in the series.