PHOENIX, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 23: De’Aaron Fox #4 of the San Antonio Spurs controls the ball during the first half against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on November 23, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Spurs 111-102. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
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With superstar Victor Wembanyama still sidelined, the San Antonio Spurs have leaned heavily on point guard De’Aaron Fox since his return 10 games ago.
The former All-Star, who was acquired at last season’s trade deadline, is playing high-quality basketball these days, and are keeping the Spurs afloat by leaning into some of his biggest strengths.
Dominating at the rim
The 6’3 lead-guard has always been known as an effective slasher, who holds an uncanny ability to finish plays around the basket.
This has remained true this season, as he’s converting on 81.3% of his attempts within three feet of the basket, which makes up over 18% of his offense.
The rim pressure Fox puts on defenses is so effective, teams will often find themselves in the uncomfortable situation of having to choose to apply drop coverage, as an attempt to avoid shots at the rim, or meet him higher up on the floor, in an attempt to negate the drive.
This is where Fox’s secondary weapon, the mid-range pull-up, would usually check in. But this season, Fox is hitting just 30.8% of his attempts from between 10 feet and to the three-point line.
So, instead, he’s had to restructure his offense slightly, as he tries to regain his touch. That restructuring starts behind the three-point line.
More outside shots
Fox has taken more three’s this year, than usual. 36.6% of his overall shot attempts have been from range, making up 6.4 attempts per night.
He’s hitting the three-ball at a rate of 35.9%, which isn’t elite, but is solid enough that defenders need to guard it, and that’s created him some leverage, in the fact that he can now drive past guys, who close out hard on him.
It’s been a winning formula for San Antonio, who has won seven of the ten games Fox has appeared in.
When Wembanyama, and Stephon Castle, return from injuries, it’ll be highly interesting to see how Fox navigates having two more players on the floor who command attention.
Dylan Harper, San Antonio’s prized rookie, recently returned from injury himself, but has played sparingly so far, but he should – in theory – work well alongside Fox, given his nature of acting as a secondary playmaker.
Fox, who is averaging 24 points, and 6.9 assists per game, could use someone to set him up, especially in off-ball situations, and Harper could end up fitting that bill.
Unless noted otherwise, all stats via NBA.com, PBPStats, Cleaning the Glass or Basketball-Reference. All salary information via Spotrac. All odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.