De’Aaron Fox’s late-game mistake in Game 4 of the NBA Finals proved costly, as the New York Knicks edged the San Antonio Spurs 107-106 at Madison Square Garden after rallying from a 29-point third-quarter deficit.
The unlikely victory moved New York within one win of capturing its first NBA title since 1973, while the Spurs now face a much tougher road to the championship after falling behind 3-1 in the series.
Social Media Explodes Over De’Aaron Fox’s Controversial Decision in Spurs’ Game 4 Loss
Leading 106-105, San Antonio successfully thwarted Knicks star Jalen Brunson’s driving go-ahead shot attempt with just over 17 seconds remaining. However, rather than running down the clock and forcing New York to foul, Fox chose to attack the basket, with one of the league’s premier defenders, OG Anunoby, trailing on the fast break.
The decision proved detrimental, as Fox’s layup attempt was swiftly blocked, giving the Knicks one final possession. New York capitalized on the opportunity, as Anunoby tipped in Brunson’s missed 3-point attempt with 1.2 seconds left to secure a thrilling comeback win.
Speaking on “Inside the NBA” postgame, Charles Barkley criticized Fox’s ill-advised shot, calling it a “bonehead” play. The moment also triggered strong reactions across social media.
“All De’Aaron Fox had to do was run the clock out. He not welcome back in San Antonio lmao,” popular parody account Hater Report posted.
All De’Aaron Fox had to do was run the clock out 😭
He not welcome back in San Antonio lmao pic.twitter.com/Gqri2gTDIE
— Hater Report (@HaterReport) June 11, 2026
“This is the definition of zero situational awareness,” one user wrote.
This is the definition of zero situational awareness https://t.co/8KuTM5F6k7
— Uncle H (@HaroldJ_59) June 11, 2026
“Probably the worst choke in NBA history LOL,” a fan account tweeted.
Probably the worst choke in NBA history LOL
— Prez💊’ (@PresidentEmbiid) June 11, 2026
Despite the late-game blunder, Fox still contributed 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists. The two-time All-Star made several costly mistakes, though, committing 4 turnovers while shooting just 6-for-16 from the field.
Overall, it was a frustrating night for the Spurs, and Fox’s questionable late-game decision-making became a major talking point long after the final buzzer.
“Fox going up with that shot is like ending the game with a pick and fumbling it!! Like wow!! I’m disgusted rn!” Green Bay Packers star Micah Parsons wrote.
Fox going up with that shot is like ending the game with a pick and fumbling it!! Like wow!! I’m disgusted rn!
— Micah Parsons (@MicahhParsons11) June 11, 2026
“The young Spurs were let down at the end by the most immature play by D. Fox,” former NBA star Eddie Johnson tweeted.
Knicks deserve the Title, what a comeback win. I have seen it all in this @NBA The Young @spurs were let down at the end by the most immature play by D. Fox.
— Eddie A Johnson (@Jumpshot8) June 11, 2026
“Everything De’Aaron Fox touches turns to CRAP. Get him the hell out of San Antonio,” former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho blasted Fox.
“Everything De’Aaron Fox touches turns to CRAP… Get him the hell out of San Antonio”
– @EmmanuelAcho SOUNDS OFF on De’Aaron Fox for one of the most bonehead plays ever made in the NBA Finals
WE ARE LIVE RIGHT NOW ➡️ https://t.co/VY2fh2jWlI pic.twitter.com/S7vTySqXvz
— Speakeasy (@speakeasytlkshw) June 11, 2026
In his postgame interview, Fox acknowledged that he thought he would “be able to outrun” Anunoby on the pivotal play.
Spurs’ De’Aaron Fox on attempting the layup late rather than running the clock: “I just thought I’d be able to outrun [Knicks’ OG Anunoby]. That’s it.” pic.twitter.com/wOFLs3iHXR
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) June 11, 2026
While Fox will likely continue receiving the bulk of the scrutiny for the brutal loss, the blame cannot be pinned on one player alone, as the Spurs’ 29-point collapse marked the largest by any team in Finals history.
