Scary De'Aaron Fox truth should actually thrill Spurs fans

De'Aaron Fox has been the most volatile player on San Antonio's roster during the postseason. Fans can see it as clear as day, and analysts have the numbers to back it up. Dean Oliver, one of the godfathers of advanced analytics, provided a very tidy chart to illustrate just how erratic Swipa's play has been for the Spurs.

In plain terms, the Spurs' speedy point guard either has great games or terrible ones. There hasn't really been an in-between, and nobody else remaining in the playoffs is even close to his level of volatility. But when you look at the scoreboard at the end of games, something significant should stand out that teams across the NBA should be paying attention to.

Fox's inconsistency hasn't stopped the Spurs from dominating

Despite Fox's unpredictability, and unfortunately for the league, the Spurs have still mostly pummeled their opponents. The Silver and Black have won 7 out of 10 postseason games with a 19.9-point average margin of victory. When looking at their dominance by series, that's 16.3 against Portland and 24.7 for the Timberwolves.

Isn't it funny that the team everyone discusses as the more competitive and physical of San Antonio's two opponents is the one being whooped the most? Don't listen to those trying to convince you this series has been close. The Spurs have led for 63% of it and led by 10 or more points for 36% of the time they've shared the court with the Timberwolves.

At this point, good Fox games are a plus since so many other players have continued to contribute on offense, while just about everyone has elevated their attention to detail and effort on defense. But that doesn't mean you can sleep on him.

The Spurs will be unstoppable if Fox stabilizes

Swipa is a professional scorer, and that switch can flip at any time. He's posted 18 points per game this postseason, so it's not like he's been nonexistent by any means, but his efficiency has dropped, and he's had some of the most open shots on the team—especially from three. In fact, according to stats found on NBA.com, Fox has been either open or wide-open on 59.1% of his attempts this series.

Fox shot 49% FG and 33% 3PT during the regular season; those numbers have dropped to 44% and 31% in the playoffs. That doesn't look egregious on its face, but when you separate the two series, it becomes clear. No. 4 went from 50% FG and 37% 3PT against Portland to 38% and 23% in the second round.

Whatever is going on with his touch is seemingly tied to this series. Spurs fans know Swipa can do better, and his track record suggests he will. Right now, it looks like the team can put the Timberwolves away, whether they get his A-game or not.

Better to get it out now anyway. OKC is waiting in the next round, and they'll give San Antonio the toughest fight yet. Unless Fox gets back to delivering. Then it might be a shorter series than people think.

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