The San Antonio Spurs are still trying to recover from what may go down as one of the most painful losses in franchise and NBA Finals history. Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals looked completely under control for San Antonio early on. The Spurs built a massive 29-point lead and appeared well on their way to tying the series at 2-2 and heading home. Instead, everything unraveled in stunning fashion as the New York Knicks stormed back to steal the game and completely shift the momentum of the Finals.
While the collapse has drawn criticism from across the Spurs roster, no player has come under a bigger microscope than star guard De’Aaron Fox.
MORE: NBA needs Spurs to force Game 6 in 2026 Finals
Costly Mistake Under the Spotlight
As the game slipped away in the closing moments, Fox made a critical mistake that immediately became a major talking point among fans and analysts.
With precious seconds ticking off the clock, Fox’s decision-making in a crucial possession cost San Antonio valuable time and likely prevented the Spurs from getting to the free-throw line in a key situation. Following the loss, social media erupted with criticism, with many pointing directly at Fox’s late-game error as one of the defining moments of the collapse.
Of course, one play rarely determines the outcome of a game, especially when a team blows a 29-point lead. Still, Fox’s mistake became an easy target for frustrated fans searching for answers after such a devastating defeat.
Fox Responds
In the days following the loss, De’Aaron Fox responded to the criticism. While athletes often try to take accountability or brush off outside noise, Fox’s response appeared to strike a different tone. Rather than calming the conversation, many fans felt the comments only added fuel to the fire.
The reaction online has been mixed, with some supporters defending Fox and others believing he failed to fully acknowledge his role in the loss. Whether fair or not, the spotlight is now firmly on Fox heading into the next game. The good news for the Spurs is that one victory can quickly change the narrative. The bad news is that another loss will only increase the scrutiny surrounding both Fox and the team’s historic Game 4 collapse.
For now, all eyes remain on San Antonio’s star point guard as the NBA Finals continue.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —
