De'Aaron Fox Silences Critics with Series-Clinching Performances After Game 2 Backlash

Key facts

• Fox scored 28 points on 11-of-17 shooting in Game 4, called his best game as a Spur by coach Mitch Johnson.
• In Game 5, Fox had 21 points (13 in the fourth quarter) and nine assists in a 114-95 series-clinching win.
• Across Games 4 and 5, Fox totaled 49 points and 16 assists, shooting over 60% from the field and 45% from three.
• Fox signed a four-year, $229 million contract, which some critics labeled one of the worst deals in the league.
• Victor Wembanyama's injury in Game 2 shifted expectations for Fox to carry a heavier offensive load.
• Fox averaged 18.6 points and 6.2 assists this season while shooting 48.6% from the field for San Antonio.
• Fox earned All-Star and All-NBA honors in 2023-24, averaging 26.6 points per game with Sacramento.

A Swift Rebuttal on the Court

De'Aaron Fox has emphatically answered his critics. After a Game 2 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers sparked renewed debate about his four-year, $229 million contract, the San Antonio Spurs guard delivered two commanding performances to close out the playoff series. Fox scored 28 points on 11-of-17 shooting in Game 4, a display that Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson described as “might’ve been his best game as a Spur.” He followed that with 21 points — 13 in the fourth quarter — and nine assists in Game 5, leading San Antonio to a 114-95 victory that sealed the series. The turnaround was swift and decisive. Across those two games, Fox combined for 49 points and 16 assists while shooting over 60 percent from the field and 45 percent from three-point range.

The Criticism That Sparked a Response

The backlash began after Game 2, when the Spurs fell short following an injury to star rookie Victor Wembanyama. With their defensive anchor sidelined, expectations shifted to Fox to carry a heavier offensive load. When San Antonio lost, the conversation quickly turned from performance to contract value. Questions about Fox's four-year, $229 million deal resurfaced, with some analysts labeling it one of the worst contracts in the NBA. The criticism centered on the idea that Fox is being paid like a primary option, even though his role in San Antonio has evolved. Fox's career, however, does not reflect a player who needs to prove himself. Since entering the league, he has steadily developed into one of the most reliable guards in the NBA.

A New Role in San Antonio

Now playing alongside Wembanyama, Fox is no longer the primary option every night. Instead, he operates as a secondary scorer and playmaker, averaging 18.6 points and 6.2 assists this season while shooting 48.6 percent from the field. This role requires a different kind of impact — one that prioritizes efficiency and playmaking over volume scoring. His production peaked in Sacramento, where he averaged 26.6 points per game during the 2023-24 season, earning All-Star and All-NBA honors. Even in more recent seasons, his ability to score efficiently and create for others has remained steady. The adjustment to a supporting role has not diminished his effectiveness. When called upon to step up, Fox has shown he can still dominate.

Numbers That Tell the Story

Fox's series-clinching performances underscore his value. In Game 4, he added seven assists and controlled the pace throughout, earning praise from his coach. In Game 5, he took over in the fourth quarter, scoring 13 points and finishing as a +26 in the game. Over the two decisive games, Fox shot over 60 percent from the field and 45 percent from three-point range, demonstrating the efficiency that has defined his career. His 49 points and 16 assists in that span highlight his ability to both score and facilitate at an elite level. The Spurs' 114-95 victory in Game 5 was a team effort, but Fox's late-game heroics were the difference. He proved that even in a reduced role, he can rise to the occasion when the stakes are highest.

Contract Scrutiny in Context

The criticism surrounding Fox's contract often centers on the idea that he is being paid like a primary option. In Sacramento, he was exactly that — the focal point of the offense. In San Antonio, his role has shifted, but his salary remains a topic of debate. However, Fox's performance in this series suggests that the contract may be justified. When Wembanyama went down, Fox stepped up, carrying the team on his back and delivering when it mattered most. The narrative that his deal is an albatross may be premature. The broader context is that Fox is still in his prime, and his skill set — scoring, playmaking, and efficiency — translates well to any role. The Spurs' investment in him reflects their belief that he can be a key piece of a championship contender.

What Comes Next for Fox and the Spurs

With the series win behind them, the Spurs advance to face the Minnesota Timberwolves. Fox has set a bold defensive goal for the series, aiming to contain the Timberwolves' backcourt and continue his strong play. For Fox, the goal is to keep his longest NBA season going. After his first playoff series win, he aims to build on the momentum and prove that his late-season surge is sustainable. The Timberwolves present a formidable challenge, but Fox's confidence is high. If his performances in Games 4 and 5 are any indication, he is ready for the next test. San Antonio's success will depend on Fox continuing to balance scoring and playmaking, especially with Wembanyama's health a lingering question. The team's depth and Fox's leadership will be critical as they pursue a deeper playoff run.

A Defining Moment in Fox's Career

De'Aaron Fox has long been one of the NBA's most talented guards, but his legacy has been shaped by moments like these. When the pressure mounted and the criticism grew loudest, he responded with performances that silenced doubters. The series win is a milestone — his first playoff series victory — but it also serves as a reminder of his capabilities. Fox is not just a high-priced contract; he is a player who can elevate his game when it matters most. As the Spurs move forward, Fox's role may continue to evolve, but his ability to deliver in clutch moments is undeniable. The conversation about his contract may persist, but his play on the court has made a powerful statement.

The bottom line

• Fox responded to Game 2 criticism with two dominant performances, totaling 49 points and 16 assists in Games 4 and 5.
• He shot over 60% from the field and 45% from three in those games, leading the Spurs to a series-clinching win.
• Fox's role in San Antonio has shifted to a secondary scorer and playmaker, averaging 18.6 points and 6.2 assists this season.
• His $229 million contract was criticized after Game 2, but his playoff performance has challenged that narrative.
• Fox earned All-Star and All-NBA honors in 2023-24 while averaging 26.6 points per game with Sacramento.
• The Spurs advance to face the Timberwolves, with Fox setting a defensive goal for the series.