In a dramatic turn of events during the NBA Finals, San Antonio Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox has come under fire for his performance and decision-making in recent games, particularly after a historic collapse against the New York Knicks. As seen in a trending post on r/nba, Fox’s struggles have sparked intense discussion among fans and analysts alike.
Why it matters: The Spurs, who once held a commanding 29-point lead in Game 4, now find themselves on the brink of elimination. Fox's recent blunders have not only jeopardized the team’s championship aspirations but have also raised questions about his leadership and decision-making abilities.
- In Game 4 on June 10, 2026, the Spurs lost to the Knicks 107-106, marking the largest comeback in NBA Finals history.
- Fox was criticized for attempting a layup instead of running down the clock with 13 seconds remaining and the Spurs leading by one point.
- His layup attempt was blocked by OG Anunoby, leading to the Knicks’ game-winning tip-in with just 1.2 seconds left on the clock.
- Charles Barkley labeled Fox’s late-game decision a "dumbass play," emphasizing that he should have been more strategic.
Driving the news: Fox's performance in Game 4 was not an isolated incident. In Game 5 on June 13, 2026, he scored only five points on 2-for-8 shooting in the first half, continuing his trend of underwhelming performances.
- Fox was also called for a flagrant 1 foul against Josh Hart, compounding his struggles and contributing to the Spurs' difficulties.
- His performance has led to calls from analysts, including Barkley, for Spurs coach Mitch Johnson to bench him in favor of younger players.
- During the “Inside the NBA” halftime show, Barkley remarked, "[Spurs coach Mitch Johnson] gotta go with [Stephon] Castle and [Dylan] Harper. He’s got to take Fox out of the game."
State of play: The Spurs built a substantial lead in Game 4, only to falter dramatically in the second half, scoring just 30 points after halftime. They shot poorly from beyond the arc, going 3-for-17 in the second half.
- San Antonio had a 99.6% win probability at halftime but failed to maintain their momentum.
- Barkley attributed the loss to poor decision-making, stating, "When you blow a 29-point lead, the other team has to help you. The Spurs helped the Knicks win this game by doing some of the stupidest stuff I’ve ever seen on a basketball court."
- Fox's decision to shoot instead of dribble out the clock was highlighted as a key error that contributed to the Spurs' collapse.
The big picture: The Spurs now trail the series 3-1, facing a steep uphill battle to recover. The pressure is mounting on Fox, who is seen as the team's highest-paid player and a supposed leader.
- Fox is averaging just 14.3 points per game in the Finals, significantly lower than Knicks star Jalen Brunson’s 29.5.
- His struggles have led to speculation about his future with the team, especially considering his recent contract extension worth over $220 million.
- The Spurs must regroup quickly if they hope to avoid elimination in Game 6, scheduled for June 16, 2026.
What they're saying: Analysts and fans alike have expressed disappointment in Fox's performance, with many echoing Barkley’s sentiments about the need for accountability.
- “It was a bonehead play by De’Aaron Fox,” Barkley reiterated, emphasizing the importance of making smart decisions in high-pressure situations.
- Former NBA players have also weighed in, with Isiah Thomas stating, “Fox, come on, fam! Finish that or dribble it out.”
- Magic Johnson noted the significance of Fox’s mistake, saying, “De’Aaron Fox made a huge mistake when he got the ball with seconds left in the fourth.”
By the numbers: The Spurs’ collapse in Game 4 was marked by several alarming statistics.
- They attempted eight consecutive three-point shots during their 29-point lead, failing to manage the clock effectively.
- In the second half of Game 4, the Spurs were outscored 58-30 by the Knicks, highlighting their inability to maintain control.
- Fox shot just 2-for-8 in Game 5, continuing a trend of poor shooting throughout the Finals.
What's next: The Spurs face a must-win situation in Game 6 as they look to stave off elimination and extend the series.
- Tip-off is set for June 16, 2026, with the Spurs needing to rally and regain their composure.
- Coaching decisions will be examined, particularly whether Johnson will heed Barkley’s advice to bench Fox in favor of younger players.
- Fans and analysts are eager to see if the Spurs can overcome the psychological toll of their recent performances and find a way to compete against the Knicks.
This article is grounded in a discussion trending on Reddit. Claims from the original post and comments may not reflect independently verified reporting.