De’Aaron Fox reflected on the intensity of San Antonio’s 111–109 NBA Cup semifinal victory over Oklahoma City, comparing it to a postseason game. “None… that’s like postseason. Nothing feels like that. And I think that’s why I like the in-season tournament,” he said after the game at T-Mobile Arena.
Fox emphasized the importance of process over outcomes, particularly in high-pressure games. “If we go out there and execute to the point that we know we can execute, we give ourselves a chance to win regardless of who we’re playing against,” he explained.
The Spurs snapped Oklahoma City’s 16-game winning streak, with Fox contributing 22 points alongside Victor Wembanyama, Devin Vassell, and Stephon Castle. He called the win a “mature win,” highlighting the team’s ability to respond after early deficits and maintain composure down the stretch.
Fox praised the development of the Spurs while key players were sidelined. “Getting used to playing without a star like that makes your team better in the long run… when he comes back, he makes the game easier for everybody offensively and defensively,” he said, referencing Wembanyama’s return.
He also noted Wembanyama’s energy and impact. “He’s been itching to play… he rose to the occasion… he affected the game from the moment that he stepped on the floor,” Fox said, crediting the center’s presence as a major factor in the victory.
Fox discussed his own role during the game, noting the benefit of having multiple playmakers around him. “Playing with all these guys… it makes the game easier for me as well. I can create when I need to, but playing off them, the game comes a little easier,” he explained.
He highlighted the advantage of having young teammates like Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle in transition. “If I ever get the ball from out of bounds and one of those two guys are ahead of me… now they touch the paint, now we’re getting kick-out threes or layups, dunks, lobs. It opens the entire game up,” Fox said.
San Antonio now advances to face the New York Knicks in Tuesday’s NBA Cup final, with Fox emphasizing the continued growth and potential of the team. “The sky’s the limit for us,” he said, underlining the balance of talent and process that helped secure a win against the league’s top team.
