De’Aaron Fox Explains Late-Game Decision That Led to OG Anunoby’s Clutch Block

De’Aaron Fox and theSan Antonio Spurshad a 29-point lead in Game 4 of theNBAFinals against theNew York Knicks. However, the team struggled in the second half and suffered the greatest playoff collapse in NBA history, wasting an opportunity to tie the series at two games apiece.

In the final 30 seconds, the Spurs had a chance to escape and even the series at two games apiece. Off ofJalen Brunson’s missed layup, Fox gathered in a loose ball on a fastbreak opportunity. Fox had the option to burn the clock since the Spurs had a one-point lead.

However, he tried to shoot a layup and was blocked from behind by Knicks forwardOG Anunoby. Fox was asked about his thought process after the game.

“I just thought I’d be able to outrun him. That’s it,” he said.

According to Fox, hewantedto give the Spurs a three-point lead so the Knicks would be forced to go for a 3-point shot on the other end. After that defensive play from Anunoby, Brunson attempted a shot from well beyond the 3-point line as the final seconds ticked down. He missed, but Anunoby once again saved New York with his putback tip-in to give them the107-106 win.

A major factor in San Antonio’s struggles in the second half was going cold from downtown after shooting 14-for-26 in the first half. It was a different story in the second half, and they only had 30 points on 3-for-17 shooting from deep.

Charles Barkley Addresses De’Aaron Fox’s Blocked Layup Attempt

Former NBA star Charles Barkley did not hold back when he commented on Fox’s late-game blunder.

“That was a dumbass play. He did not have to shoot that ball,” Barkley said. “They could’ve just gotten fouled; there was no reason for him to shoot that ball.”

Barkley continued to rant about the mistakes that the Spurs made. According to him, they helped the Knicks win because of the low-IQ plays they attempted. That includes their reliance on the 3-point shot in the second half.

With the Knicks one win away from their first championship since 1973, the Finals head back to San Antonio for Saturday’s Game 5 (8:30 p.m. ET). The 2016Cleveland Cavaliersare the only team in NBA history to overcome a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals.

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Reign Amurao

Trending News Writer, Athlon Sports

Reign Amurao is a sports contributor at Athlon Sports.