Spurs Collapse in Historic Knicks Comeback, Barkley Blames Fox

Following the New York Knicks’ monumental 29-point comeback victory at Madison Square Garden, a visibly irate Charles Barkley declared the San Antonio Spurs the “dumbest basketball team in the history of civilization.” The former NBA champion pointed to a critical late-game decision by Spurs point guard De’Aaron Fox as the primary catalyst for the team’s Game 4 collapse, which now leaves them trailing the Knicks 3-1 in the NBA Finals.

A Missed Opportunity to Secure the Lead

With San Antonio holding a slim one-point lead in the final seconds, Fox drove for a contested layup. The decision proved disastrous as New York’s OG Anunoby blocked the shot, setting up his own game-winning tip-in with just 1.2 seconds remaining. Barkley vehemently criticized Fox’s choice, stating, “That was a dumbass play. He did not have to shoot that ball. He could have just got fouled, there was no reason for him to shoot that ball.”

Analysis of the situation indicates that San Antonio was in the bonus, meaning any foul would have sent Fox to the free-throw line. With less than 10 seconds on the clock and the Knicks unable to stop the clock with fouls, making two free throws would have extended the Spurs’ lead to three points. This would have forced the Knicks to attempt a last-second three-pointer to potentially tie the game and force overtime.

Fox’s Perspective and Subsequent Play

Speaking to reporters after the game, Fox acknowledged the situation, stating, “I tried to get a layup to get up three. Force them to need a three. OG made a good block.” Despite the crucial offensive miscue, Fox demonstrated defensive awareness on the ensuing possession, committing a smart foul on Jose Alvarado. As San Antonio was not in the bonus, this stopped the Knicks’ momentum and allowed the Spurs to regroup defensively.

However, the critical moment of the game saw Fox attempt to trap Jalen Brunson, leaving Anunoby free to drive for the decisive putback. Barkley later lamented the Spurs’ self-inflicted wounds, remarking, “The San Antonio Spurs helped the New York Knicks win this game by doing some of the stupidest-ass stuff I’ve ever seen on a basketball court.”

Additional Blunders and Criticisms

Fox’s struggles extended beyond the final possession. He also took an unnecessary step-back three-pointer midway through the third quarter and committed two costly turnovers before the end of that frame. Later, with three minutes remaining, Anunoby tipped the ball away from Fox, leading to a difficult, contested three-point attempt that ultimately missed. Following a substitution, Brunson capitalized with a three-pointer, narrowing the Spurs’ lead to 104-103.

The point guard has faced significant backlash on social media. However, some observers suggest that teammate Victor Wembanyama also bears responsibility for missing two crucial free throws late in the game. As reported by Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo! Sports on X, Wembanyama “had fear in his eyes at the line when he bricked both free throws.” The commentary highlights that while Fox is receiving much of the criticism for his decision-making, Wembanyama’s late-game free throw struggles also contributed to the loss.

Other analyses point to the Spurs’ seven-man rotation as a potential factor. One fan on X commented, “I mean, a lot of Spurs players cost them that game.” Fox finished Game 4 with 18 points on 6-of-16 shooting from the field, along with seven assists and four turnovers.

Looking Ahead to Game 5

Game 5 of the NBA Finals is scheduled for Saturday in San Antonio. The Knicks will have the opportunity to secure their first championship since 1973 on their opponent’s home court.