De'Aaron Fox just struck fear in the hearts of Spurs fans everywhere

The Spurs just played one of their worst offensive games of the season, and, at least in the moment, it doesn't feel particularly close. There's plenty of blame to go around in the Timberwolves' 104-102 win over the Silver and Black, but De'Aaron Fox must absorb a significant chunk of it. He was horrendous tonight, and there's no way around it.

The $229 million man turned the ball over six times, didn't attack enough, and when he did, he couldn't find the bottom of the net. He went 5/14 from the field for 10 points, missed every three-pointer he took (0/4), and was absent most of the night besides his rampant turnover problem. Fox's specialty is supposed to be offense.

San Antonio took a lot off his plate by constructing a deep roster that could get by without him having to overextend himself too much. But we're in the playoffs now, and his inconsistency just cost the Spurs a postseason game.

Fox isn't holding up his end of the deal

Swipa has said himself that he finds the structure of the team comforting. He doesn't want the entire offense to hang on his shoulders for 82 games, and it didn't. He relishes the opportunity to close when the chance presents itself, and tonight should have been one of those times.

Spurs fans are patient and will give new guys time to get settled, but he's been in Alamo City for over a year now. The honeymoon is over, and the standards in San Antonio are high. Fox has a habit of coming up small, receiving criticism, and then having a big game down the line. Those big-boy performances are huge, but the inconsistency must be figured out.

He only put two points on the board for the majority of the ball game. Victor Wembanyama struggled offensively, too, but at least the Alien racked up 11 blocks. That's an NBA playoff record. Fox would also be somewhat absolved if he provided something other than putting the ball in the hoop.

Where are the steals? Why couldn't he get to the free-throw line? He didn't shoot a single attempt from the stripe all night. When San Antonio traded for Fox, Trae Young was also on the table. Most people felt as though the Spurs made the right choice. Young is also inconsistent and can come up small defensively. Right now, it's looking like it wouldn't have mattered. That can't happen.

The Spurs have provided everything a player like Fox should need to thrive. He has shooters, other playmakers to relieve pressure, lob threats, and a stretch big. If he can't figure out how to be the best version of himself with this cast when they need it most, San Antonio is in trouble.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow