The San Antonio Spurs’ season took another painful turn in the NBA Finals, as they blew a 29-point lead in a 107-106 loss to the New York Knicks. De’Aaron Fox, the veteran point guard acquired in a major trade, drew sharp criticism from fans for a late-game play that many viewed as the decisive mistake.
With the Spurs leading 106-105 and 13 seconds remaining, Fox grabbed a loose ball in the backcourt and drove toward the basket instead of dribbling out the clock or drawing a foul. Knicks forward OG Anunoby blocked the layup attempt, setting up a chaotic sequence that ended with Anunoby’s game-winning tip-in. The loss left San Antonio in a dire position in the series.
DE’AARON FOX?! 😅 pic.twitter.com/038SSqjh5n
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) June 11, 2026
Fox finished with 18 points, five rebounds, seven assists, two steals and one block on 6-of-16 shooting, including 4 of 9 from 3-point range. While his stats were solid, the final possession overshadowed them in the eyes of many observers.
Social media erupted immediately after the game, with fans directing much of their frustration at Fox.
“How is no one talking about the fact that De’Aaron Fox just blew that game? The Spurs had that game won, and Fox freaking BLEW IT,” posted one prominent reaction.
Another user wrote: “De’Aaron Fox with an all time low IQ moment cost the Spurs this game. Yes collectively they all blew a huge lead but him going for a lay up instead of dribbling the ball out cost them.”
Veteran analyst Charles Barkley was blunt in his television commentary, calling the play “a dumbass play” and noting that Fox “did not have to shoot that ball.”
Not all reactions pinned the entire collapse on Fox. Several fans and analysts pointed to the broader team meltdown after leading by as many as 29 points.
“A team blows a 29 point lead and every headline is how De’Aaron Fox ‘blew the game.’ No. The SPURS as a team and staff blew the game. Should’ve never been in a position to lose after a 29 point 3rd Q lead,” one post emphasized.
Others highlighted earlier mistakes, such as turnovers by Victor Wembanyama and double-digit leads squandered in prior games.
Fox has been a key addition to the Spurs since arriving from the Sacramento Kings in a multi-team deal last season. He has served as a closer and leader alongside Wembanyama, but the Finals have exposed challenges in high-stakes situations for the relatively inexperienced group.
“That was a dumbass play. He did not have to shoot that ball.”
— Charles Barkley on De'Aaron Fox
(h/t @ohnohedidnt24)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) June 11, 2026
Postgame, Fox and the team have yet to issue detailed comments on the specific play, though the guard has previously described big moments in “make or miss league” terms. The Spurs now face significant pressure to avoid elimination as the series continues.
The loss underscores the fine margins in championship basketball, where one possession can define a game’s narrative — and spark intense fan debate across platforms.
De'Aaron Fox on his decision to shoot instead of run clock and draw a foul:
"I tried to get a layup to get up 3. Force them to need a 3. OG made a good block."pic.twitter.com/OEJ2fuTPgu
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) June 11, 2026
