De’Aaron Fox was acquired by the Spurs final season close to the commerce deadline for 3 first-round picks, Zach Collins, Tre Jones, and a handful of second-rounders. Total, it was a significantly cheap deal for the acquisition, supplied that Fox may very well be what he was in Sacramento, the place he was averaging 25 factors and 6.1 assists. The Spurs then doubled down within the offseason and signed Fox to a most veteran extension. So, how has Fox carried out for San Antonio?
Seeking to the court docket, Fox confirmed flashes of his expertise in his 27 video games with San Antonio final yr earlier than sitting out the final 18 with a finger damage. This season, he had a late begin on account of hamstring hassle, however lastly suited up on November eighth. Understandably, this might need precipitated some concern. Afterall, the Spurs have invested so much on this participant.
Now that he’s gotten a good quantity of reps in Silver and Black, what have the numbers proven? By way of 21 video games this season, he’s averaging 21.6 factors, 3.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists. These align completely along with his profession averages of 21.5 factors, 3.8 rebounds, and 6.2 assists. Total, his estimated plus/minus per Dunksandthrees.com has improved from +0.9 final yr to +2.9 (91st percentile). In different phrases, he’s nonetheless very a lot De’Aaron Fox.
What about clutch play, these being video games inside 5 minutes, inside 5 factors? A part of Fox’s attraction was his famous clutch efficiency in Sacramento, resulting in him profitable the inaugural clutch participant of the yr award in 2023. Final season, San Antonio ranked nineteenth in Clutch win proportion for the season.
Within the 2025-2026 season, San Antonio is 12-3 in clutch play. 2nd within the league behind solely the 10-0 Los Angeles Lakers. And whereas Fox has been a part of that success, it hasn’t fairly been his calling card but. Within the clutch, he’s capturing 36.4 on area objectives and averaging 3 factors. Not unhealthy, albeit a small pattern measurement, however nonetheless not his 2023 killer stats of 5 factors on 52.9 p.c capturing. Victor Wembanyama has technically been a bit higher, averaging 3.6 factors on 45.5 p.c capturing. Each are good, however after that, there aren’t any Spurs within the high 50 in clutch scoring.
If that’s the case, then the place is the clutch efficiency coming from?
Briefly, in all places. If no single Spur is dominating within the clutch, whereas the staff is profitable 80 p.c of shut video games, the one different rationalization is that the entire Spurs are, collectively. As a staff, San Antonio is averaging 11.1 factors per clutch state of affairs (fifth within the league) on 48.5 p.c area objectives (sixth within the league). Evaluating that to Fox’s 2023 season, the Kings have been averaging 11.5 factors, and half of that was Fox. In San Antonio, that scoring has unfold out. Fox and Wembanyama account for about half, with the rest being crammed by the remainder of the staff.
Mainly, Fox doesn’t have to hold the burden all on himself. This bodes properly for the Spurs in just a few other ways. In the beginning, it exhibits Fox suits in with the tradition. He isn’t approaching these conditions demanding the ball within the final 5 minutes. His utilization price is excessive however Wembanyama’s is increased, whereas each are averaging 2.2 area objective makes an attempt every within the clutch, a full try lower than Fox’s 2023 clutch makes an attempt of three.5. Concurrently, this places the staff first. It exhibits they don’t really feel the necessity to take over any greater than they’re, and aren’t forcing the problem. And it’s working.
Traditionally, Fox doesn’t concern the second and may make performs within the clutch when he has to, however it’s notable that he hasn’t needed to to ensure that this staff to achieve success. He might be his greatest self with out having to hold that burden himself.
This isn’t an attribute unique to contenders, however it does trace that issues are pointing in the correct route. The Crew, above all else, is gelling. The Crew can run the ground with any opponent on any given evening. That is why the Spurs are 2nd within the loaded Western Convention. That is why they’re contenders.
