De’Aaron Fox and the San Antonio Spurs responded with a dominant 103-82 Game 4 win against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday. The win now sees the series tied 2-2.
According to Fox, the win was fueled by the Spurs’ legendary former coach, Gregg Popovich, who spoke to the San Antonio players in the locker room after their Game 3 loss.
How Gregg Popovich’s Message Ignited the Spurs’ Game 4 Win
After going down 2-1 in the series, the Spurs did a splendid job of limiting the Thunder’s offense in Game 4.
MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was held to 19 points, while Chet Holmgren had 10 points. Alex Caruso, who has been a spark off the bench on both sides of the floor, was held scoreless for the game.
Speaking on NBC’s postgame show, Fox revealed how Popovich’s “choice” words saw the Spurs get their mojo back in a decisive Game 4.
“Pop’s been around throughout the course of the season, but that was the first time he walked into the locker room and was like, ‘Nah, that’s BS, that’s not how we play basketball,'” Fox said.
“That was the first time all season that he came into the locker room right after a game and told us how he felt… That’s the first time I’ve ever seen that. Trainers, everybody’s in there. We close the doors, we don’t let anybody know what’s going on in here.”
De’Aaron Fox said Gregg Popovich came into the Spurs’ locker room after the Game 3 loss:
“That was the first time he walked into the locker room and was like, ‘Nah, that’s BS. That’s not how we play basketball.’ Obviously, he had some choice words for us.” pic.twitter.com/CaZSIcfXxL
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) May 25, 2026
Fox further added how Coach Pop’s talk bolstered the team’s mindset after a rough Game 3 loss.
“Obviously, he had some choice words for us. That was the first time all season he came into the locker room right after a game and told us how he felt.”
The 77-year-old former head coach officially retired from coaching last year after suffering a stroke at the start of the 2024-25 NBA season.
However, he still holds the position of president of basketball operations with the Spurs. Coach Pop, as he is fondly known, has reportedly been more involved with the side throughout their impressive playoff run.
On the game front, it was another Victor Wembanyama show as the Frenchman led San Antonio’s charge with 33 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks.
Fox added 12 points to the tally, along with 10 rebounds. Stephon Castle and Devin Vassell chipped in with 13 points each.
With the series tied and Coach Pop’s pep talk putting the Spurs back on track, the focus now shifts to an all-important Game 5 on Tuesday at the Paycom Center.
