The San Antonio Spurs almost allowed the Orlando Magic to come back and beat them, although De'Aaron Fox's clutch play helped seal the deal.
The San Antonio Spurs advanced to an impressive 15-6 record on the season, weathering a near-comeback from the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night. The Spurs took a 114-112 win, kicking off their road trip in style.
San Antonio was led by De'Aaron Fox's 31 points, the second game in a row that a former Sacramento King posted 30 for the Spurs. For good measure, he added five rebounds and five assists, although his seven turnovers were nearly costly.
Fortunately for the Spurs, Fox saved his best play for the very end. In the fourth quarter, he scored 12 points, making all of his 3s and getting to the free-throw line six times.
In 2023, Fox was the first winner of the NBA's Jerry West trophy, given to the Clutch Player of the Year. Thanks in large part to nagging injuries, the Spurs haven't seen Fox in the clutch much, but he rose to the occasion last night.
It was a vintage final frame for Fox, and he knows that he is expected to finish strong, closing out games for the fairly inexperienced Spurs.
"I have the confidence to step back and know that I have time and space to knock shots down," he said after the game. "My teammates have confidence in me. My coaches have confidence in me. You know, that's why they give me the ball in those types of situations with that type of spacing. And I go out there and just try to execute what we work on."
Adding a game closer, facilitator, and scorer were all reasons why the Spurs traded for Fox. Of course, pairing him with Victor Wembanyama was a priority, although the two have hardly spent any time on the court.
Fans are optimistic that Wembanyama's return will only boost the Spurs, who have been playing well even without their best player.
In addition to Fox's 31 points, the Spurs enjoyed 15 points from Devin Vassell and 16 bench points from rookie Dylan Harper, who is quickly becoming a favorite in San Antonio.
Without Paolo Banchero, Orlando relied on Jalen Suggs' 24 points to get the game close, and Franz Wagner led the Magic with 25 points. However, his would-be game-tying, buzzer-beating layup attempt was swatted into the stands by Luke Kornet, who came out of nowhere to save the game for the Spurs.
Unlike in years past, this Spurs' team is built to weatrher some adversity.