De’Aaron Fox heads into Game 5 under the heaviest scrutiny he has faced since joining the San Antonio Spurs.
The guard’s inconsistent Finals level was already being discussed before Game 4, but his late missed layup only fuelled the criticism.
With the Spurs leading the New York Knicks 106-105, Fox drove to the rim instead of pulling the ball out, only to be blocked by OG Anunoby as New York completed a 107-106 comeback.
Fox is averaging just over 14 points through the first four games, so the mistake quickly became part of a wider debate. But Spurs coach Mitch Johnson made it clear on Friday’s press conference that outside noise will not change his trust in the guard.
Mitch Johnson promises De’Aaron Fox will have Game 5 moment
Asked about the fan and media reaction to Fox, Johnson dismissed the idea that social media should influence San Antonio’s decisions.
“I don’t get into social media. I think I’ve probably been fired 212 times, and we’ve traded Fox 72 times,” he began by saying.
Johnson later added: “People have their opinions. I don’t care. I care about people that matter in our building, in that locker room. They know how I feel, and I hear them and know how they feel.
“De’Aaron Fox will have the ball in his hands at the end of the game tomorrow and I have nothing but the utmost confidence that he’s gonna deliver like he’s done countless times for us.”
That is a bold stance after such a painful finish.
While Hall of Famer Magic Johnson pointed to a mistake that proved costly for San Antonio, the Spurs coach still sees De’Aaron Fox as the player he wants deciding Game 5.
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