Spurs guard De'Aaron Fox dismisses social media backlash ahead of Game 5

San Antonio Spurs guard De'Aaron Fox has publicly dismissed the intense social media criticism following a critical error in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, asserting that he remains unbothered by the backlash. The blunder, described as an early layup attempt in the clutch rather than a time-wasting play, contributed to the New York Knicks securing a 3-1 series lead over the Spurs.

Fox, who has been instrumental in the Spurs' unexpected rise to the top of the Western Conference, indicated that he does not monitor media coverage or social media reactions. The guard, who serves as the secondary star to Victor Wembanyama, stated that the past cannot be changed and that the team is focused on moving forward.

"It's not like people have my phone number and can call me. I don't watch those shows," Fox said regarding the reactions to his mistake. "It doesn't matter. It is what it is. You can't change it now. We're trying to move on from that."

Prior to the 2025-26 season, expectations for the Spurs were modest, yet they have since risen to the top of the Western Conference and reached the NBA Finals. Fox has been a key figure in this turnaround, often delivering standout performances as a veteran guard. However, the goodwill he had built was reportedly destroyed by the Game 4 error, which shifted the series momentum from a potential 2-2 tie to a 3-1 deficit for New York.

The Spurs are now preparing to host Game 5 at home in an attempt to prevent elimination. Fox has been urged to deliver strong performances to redeem himself after the blunder that altered the series trajectory. The upcoming match also follows discussions regarding a monumental call in Game 4 that could have changed the outcome, as well as calls for the Knicks to address the struggles of player Mitchell Robinson.