San Antonio Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox addressed the media on Tuesday, June 9, ahead of Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the New York Knicks, focusing on process, physicality, and composure after Game 3.
Discussing how the team has handled pressure after falling behind early in the series, Fox said, “Yeah, I mean we’re trying not to look at it as a series. We’re looking at it one game at a time.” He expanded on the approach by adding, “we’re taking it one game at a time. We know that our season’s going to be over in, you know, a week and a half regardless, you know, win or lose.”
On maintaining consistency after momentum swings, Fox emphasized emotional control over results. “I try not to let making shots waver or boost your confidence. It’s a make or miss league,” he said, pointing to the grind of a long season. “You try not to let that be the reason that, you know, you play defense better or you box out better.”
Fox also addressed how the Spurs have managed playoff adversity, noting the importance of responding to runs. “Whenever they hit us and they go on those runs, it’s like can we how quickly can we respond? How quickly can we stop the bleeding?” he said, describing the Knicks’ stretches of scoring pressure.
When asked about the development of young teammates, including Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle, Fox pointed to their composure. “You don’t see them panic,” he said. “And that’s a big reason of why we’re here.”
Fox also spoke about Wembanyama’s physical style, pushing back on external narratives. “I don’t think it’s a villain role. If you get hit, you hit back. That’s life, you know,” he said, adding, “Vic’s every time he rolls, he gets tagged, he gets hit… It would be crazy for him to think that he’s going to get open by not hitting somebody.”
Defensively, Fox highlighted the Spurs’ internal structure behind matchups against larger opponents like Karl-Anthony Towns. “I try not to let bigger guys dribble against me,” he said. “If you can force a shot to be 13 feet rather than 10 feet, the numbers drop drastically.”
Looking ahead to Game 4 against Knicks, Fox identified execution areas that define the series. “Keep them out of transition. Don’t turn the ball over and give up offensive rebounds,” he said. “That’s when they’ve gone on their runs.”
He also reflected on road environment adjustments after Game 3. “We find a comfort in playing on the road knowing that when you’re in this environment, you know, it’s us versus them,” Fox said. “It just allows you to settle into these games.”
Game 4 is scheduled for Wednesday as the Spurs look to even the series after their 115-111 win in Game 3.
