De'Aaron Fox will have the ball in his hands for the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5. Coach Mitch Johnson expressed confidence in Fox on Friday.
What happened?
The Spurs lost Game 4 to the New York Knicks after surrendering a 29-point lead. Fox struggled late, shooting 1-of-5 in the fourth quarter.
Why it matters for De'Aaron Fox
Fox's performance was criticized, but he remains undaunted. "It's not like people have my phone number and can call me," Fox said.
What comes next?
The Spurs face elimination in Game 5 on Saturday. Johnson believes the team has dictated the outcome in each game so far.
The Spurs held a film session on Friday instead of practicing. Forward Devin Vassell noted that the team made defensive mistakes and didn't communicate well.
Superstar Victor Wembanyama agreed that the team can come back from a 3-1 deficit. "Everybody thinks, everybody knows, we're going to do it," Wembanyama said.
The Spurs will focus on one game at a time. They need to isolate each game and not waste energy on multiple games.
Fox's confidence is key to the team's success. He has delivered for the Spurs countless times before.
The Knicks' OG Anunoby tipped in a Jalen Brunson miss to cap the rally in Game 4. Fox could have prevented that by holding the ball until the Knicks were forced to foul him.
The Spurs have held double-digit leads in every game so far. Johnson believes they can still win the series.
The team will take it one game at a time. They will focus on Game 5 and try to extend the series.
Fox's performance will be crucial to the team's success. He needs to deliver like he has before.
The Spurs are on the brink of elimination. But with Fox leading the team, they still have a chance to come back.
The game is on Saturday. The Spurs will try to extend the series and come back from a 3-1 deficit.