In a dramatic moment, De’Aaron Fox turned into an unexpected figure in the basketball world, almost like an antihero.
With less than 15 seconds on the clock and the Spurs ahead 106-105, Victor Wembanyama made a critical stop against Jalen Brunson, allowing Fox to nab the rebound.
What happened next is something he might regret forever.
As he sped downcourt, Fox faced a dilemma: should he check the clock or go for a layup?
Confident in his speed, he opted for what he believed would secure a three-point lead—after all, a layup seemed easier than facing two free throws.
However, he misjudged the situation.
OG Anunoby met him in the paint. With just 11 seconds left, Anunoby made a spectacular block. This miscalculation opened the door for the Knicks, who staged an incredible comeback, overcoming a 29-point deficit to win 107-106 in Game 4 on Wednesday.
The Knicks seized possession, with what felt like a lifetime on the clock, ready to alter the game’s fate.
Brunson launched a three-pointer with 4.4 seconds remaining, but it clanged off the rim. Fox, who had left Anunoby momentarily to double-team Brunson, watched in disbelief as Anunoby raced through the lane, scored with 1.2 seconds left, sealing the game.
The Spurs encountered a series of blunders during a tough fourth quarter. This wasn’t solely Fox’s fault; it takes a team to maintain a lead like that. Yet, with such a significant collapse, there’s a natural inclination to find someone to blame.
If Fox had simply made that layup, he would have been hailed a hero.
Sadly for him, the outcome was different. That play placed him in the spotlight of criticism—a face associated with what will likely be remembered as a historical collapse. It’s not entirely fair, but that’s the nature of basketball. Just look at J.R. Smith.
At 28, Fox is a seasoned point guard. The Spurs traded for him in February 2025, believing he could shine in high-pressure moments. He signed a hefty four-year, $229 million extension last August.
In that crucial moment, he faced the challenge of making a split-second decision. Unfortunately, he just happened to make the wrong one while everyone was watching.
“I thought I could outrun him,” Fox remarked about Anunoby. “That’s it.”
For the Spurs, this series highlighted a series of minor mistakes resulting in monumental consequences.
Earlier in Game 2, Wembanyama found himself in a similar situation, committing a turnover with 12.7 seconds left in a narrow 105-104 loss.
This time, Fox bore the brunt of public scrutiny, with countless voices declaring “shame.”
Indeed, Wembanyama had missed two significant free throws with 1:47 remaining, putting the Spurs up 105-104. The team’s shooting declined sharply in the second half; they only managed 20.5 percent from the field. Fox was merely one piece of a larger puzzle.
But his error stood out the most, catching everyone’s attention.
Interestingly, just two games prior, Fox was the hero, sinking a jumper with 12 seconds left to propel the Spurs to a 115-111 victory. He stepped up then when it mattered.
Yet, in a matter of days, his fortunes reversed.
Fox has struggled throughout the series. The two-time All-Star averaged just 14.3 points over his last four games, significantly trailing Knicks player Brunson, who averaged 29.5 points.
In Game 4, Fox recorded 18 points (despite taking 16 shots), along with seven assists and five rebounds. He also contributed four turnovers, including a critical one that effectively handed the Spurs a 104-103 lead.
I really want to support Fox. It was tough to watch; he’s giving up his stats to play alongside Wembanyama, a player who clearly means more to him than individual accolades.
But now, Fox is at the center of this sports disaster. This game will go down in history—it’s already felt like a classic.
The Knicks are just one win away from their first championship since 1973. On the flip side, the Spurs have squandered two games due to critical late-game blunders, and ironically, it was the point guard expected to steady the ship who faltered.
Fox wasn’t solely responsible for the Game 4 loss. The breakdown was much more complicated than his singular mistake. San Antonio fell behind 32-16 in the fourth quarter. We all bear some responsibility for this failure.
Nonetheless, what happened with Fox was shocking. It’s generally understood that when time is fleeting and leads are thin, dribbling is often the safest option. Let the clock run. Cause a little panic. Draw a foul. Minimize your opponent’s chances to score.
Yet, Fox opted for a risky play at the league’s highest level.
And it didn’t pan out as he had hoped.
