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Deadspin | Cam Thomas sparking Nets as they welcome turnover-prone Warriors

Deadspin | Cam Thomas sparking Nets as they welcome turnover-prone Warriors

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Dec 27, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas (24) works around Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo (0) in the fourth quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

Cam Thomas returned from missing nearly two months with a hamstring injury and the Brooklyn Nets kept winning.

Coming off a successful return in a reserve role, Thomas hopes to help the Nets extend their winning streak to four games on Monday when they host the Golden State Warriors, who are at .500 for the ninth time this season.

Thomas missed 20 games with a strained left hamstring after getting injured in the first quarter of Brooklyn’s nine-point win at Indiana on Nov. 5. The Nets went 8-12 in the guard’s absence and began showing improvement as Thomas inched closer to getting cleared.

Thomas contributed to Brooklyn’s 123-107 win at Minnesota by scoring 30 points in 20 minutes on a night when the Nets’ reserves totaled 62 points. Thomas converted a trio of three-point plays in the first quarter and scored 12 straight Brooklyn points in the third as part of a 9-of-15 showing.

“Feeling good to be back out there with the guys, making the right play, making the right shots and we played really well,” Thomas said. “We got a win out of this. That’s even better for me. That’s good just to have everybody connected.

“Everybody being on the same page locked in, just having no drop-off between the starters and the bench,” continued Thomas, who averages 22.3 points, 1.6 rebounds and 2.8 assists for nine games (eight starts).

“So that’s a really big thing, having no drop-off right now,” he said. “So they did a great job on the bench, came in and did a good job. So we want to keep building on that, and we’ll see how that goes from there. But I’m just happy we got the win.”

The Nets are 7-3 in their past 10 games after scoring 120 points for the fourth time this season. Brooklyn is attempting to win four straight for the first time since a 12-game run Dec. 7, 2022 to Jan. 2, 2023 — shortly before stars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving were traded to the Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks, respectively.

The Warriors have been hovering around .500 all this month and slipped to 16-16 with a 141-127 overtime loss to the host Toronto Raptors on Sunday. Golden State was outscored 19-5 in overtime and encountered difficulties defending the paint and avoiding turnovers.

The Warriors conceded 70 points in the paint and permitted the Raptors to shoot 61.4% (35 of 57) inside. Golden State also allowed 35 points off 21 turnovers, the most points by an opponent this season and the eighth time the Warriors had 20 turnovers in a game.

Golden State committed 15 turnovers after halftime, including seven in the fourth quarter after holding a 13-point lead in the third.

“Just turnovers, end of the third, end of the fourth, we just got scattered,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “I’ve got to get us better organized in those stretches. That’s on me.

Those issues spoiled a 39-point showing from Stephen Curry, who made 12 of his season-high 30 field-goal attempts, including a 3 with 1:43 left in regulation to put Golden State up seven.

The turnover issues also prevented the Warriors from winning four straight games for the first time this season after beating the Suns, Orlando Magic and Mavericks.

The Warriors are also hoping for a better showing on the glass after getting outrebounded 55-42. Golden State gave up 25 rebounds to Toronto’s Scottie Barnes and conceded 18 offensive rebounds.

–Field Level Media

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Deadspin | Anastasia Potapova upsets former World No. 1 Karolina Pliskova in Madrid Mar 6, 2026; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Anastasia Potapova of Austria in action against Jasmine Paolini of Italy in the second round of the women’s singles at the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images Unseeded Anastasia Potapova of Austria continued her impressive run at the Madrid Open on Tuesday, taking down former World No. 1 Karolina Pliskova of Czechia 6-1, 6-7 (4), 6-3, to become the first lucky loser to reach a WTA 1000 semifinal. Potapova, who lost in qualifying last week, will face No. 26 Marta Kostyuk in the semifinals after the Ukrainian defeated No. 13 Linda Noskova of Czechia 7-6 (1), 6-0. Kostyuk, who beat Potapova in the fourth round at Madrid last year, is 10-0 on clay this year. Potapova led 5-3 in the second set and held three match points, but Pliskova rallied to even the match and led 3-1 in the third set before Potapova won five straight games to secure the thrilling victory. When asked if she thought she would be in the semifinals after her qualifying loss, Potapova told reporters, “No, I wouldn’t, for any money and anything. That’s what makes our sport beautiful. I was given a second chance and now I’m here. “I’m super happy. There’s nothing better that could happen to me in my life at the moment.” Potapova finished with 10 aces and saved four of her eight break points, while Pliskova posted three aces but was 0-for-7 on break points. Along the way to the semifinals, Potapova has also defeated French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia and World No. 2 Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan. As for Potapova’s semifinal opponent, Kostyuk seized control against Noskova in the first-set tiebreaker, winning 7-1, then dominated the second set in less-than-ideal weather conditions to reach the Madrid semifinals for the first time. “Conditions were incredibly difficult for both of us,” Kostyuk said in her on-court interview. “It was very windy, very cold, and I felt like we started to gain some (momentum) only towards the end of the first set. Until then, I think we both weren’t sure where the ball was going sometimes. But I’m happy that I did my strategy today very well.” Kostyuk, who took the second set without dropping a game, is the only player — women’s or men’s — to reach this year’s semifinal without conceding a set. Earlier this month, she captured her first WTA title on clay at the Rouen Open in France. “Today was not that type of day in the morning and I was forcing myself to smile, to enjoy,” said Kostyuk, who saved one of five break points while Noskova saved 17 of 24. “At the end of the day it was a quarterfinal match. No matter how it would turn around, I still think it was a great performance from me these past three weeks. At the end I managed to turn that page and enjoy again.” -Field Level Media –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Anastasia #Potapova #upsets #World #Karolina #Pliskova #MadridMar 6, 2026; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Anastasia Potapova of Austria in action against Jasmine Paolini of Italy in the second round of the women’s singles at the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images

Unseeded Anastasia Potapova of Austria continued her impressive run at the Madrid Open on Tuesday, taking down former World No. 1 Karolina Pliskova of Czechia 6-1, 6-7 (4), 6-3, to become the first lucky loser to reach a WTA 1000 semifinal.

Potapova, who lost in qualifying last week, will face No. 26 Marta Kostyuk in the semifinals after the Ukrainian defeated No. 13 Linda Noskova of Czechia 7-6 (1), 6-0. Kostyuk, who beat Potapova in the fourth round at Madrid last year, is 10-0 on clay this year.

Potapova led 5-3 in the second set and held three match points, but Pliskova rallied to even the match and led 3-1 in the third set before Potapova won five straight games to secure the thrilling victory.

When asked if she thought she would be in the semifinals after her qualifying loss, Potapova told reporters, “No, I wouldn’t, for any money and anything. That’s what makes our sport beautiful. I was given a second chance and now I’m here.

“I’m super happy. There’s nothing better that could happen to me in my life at the moment.”

Potapova finished with 10 aces and saved four of her eight break points, while Pliskova posted three aces but was 0-for-7 on break points.


Along the way to the semifinals, Potapova has also defeated French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia and World No. 2 Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan.

As for Potapova’s semifinal opponent, Kostyuk seized control against Noskova in the first-set tiebreaker, winning 7-1, then dominated the second set in less-than-ideal weather conditions to reach the Madrid semifinals for the first time.

“Conditions were incredibly difficult for both of us,” Kostyuk said in her on-court interview. “It was very windy, very cold, and I felt like we started to gain some (momentum) only towards the end of the first set. Until then, I think we both weren’t sure where the ball was going sometimes. But I’m happy that I did my strategy today very well.”

Kostyuk, who took the second set without dropping a game, is the only player — women’s or men’s — to reach this year’s semifinal without conceding a set. Earlier this month, she captured her first WTA title on clay at the Rouen Open in France.

“Today was not that type of day in the morning and I was forcing myself to smile, to enjoy,” said Kostyuk, who saved one of five break points while Noskova saved 17 of 24. “At the end of the day it was a quarterfinal match. No matter how it would turn around, I still think it was a great performance from me these past three weeks. At the end I managed to turn that page and enjoy again.”

-Field Level Media

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Anastasia #Potapova #upsets #World #Karolina #Pliskova #Madrid">Deadspin | Anastasia Potapova upsets former World No. 1 Karolina Pliskova in Madrid Mar 6, 2026; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Anastasia Potapova of Austria in action against Jasmine Paolini of Italy in the second round of the women’s singles at the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images Unseeded Anastasia Potapova of Austria continued her impressive run at the Madrid Open on Tuesday, taking down former World No. 1 Karolina Pliskova of Czechia 6-1, 6-7 (4), 6-3, to become the first lucky loser to reach a WTA 1000 semifinal. Potapova, who lost in qualifying last week, will face No. 26 Marta Kostyuk in the semifinals after the Ukrainian defeated No. 13 Linda Noskova of Czechia 7-6 (1), 6-0. Kostyuk, who beat Potapova in the fourth round at Madrid last year, is 10-0 on clay this year. Potapova led 5-3 in the second set and held three match points, but Pliskova rallied to even the match and led 3-1 in the third set before Potapova won five straight games to secure the thrilling victory. When asked if she thought she would be in the semifinals after her qualifying loss, Potapova told reporters, “No, I wouldn’t, for any money and anything. That’s what makes our sport beautiful. I was given a second chance and now I’m here. “I’m super happy. There’s nothing better that could happen to me in my life at the moment.” Potapova finished with 10 aces and saved four of her eight break points, while Pliskova posted three aces but was 0-for-7 on break points. Along the way to the semifinals, Potapova has also defeated French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia and World No. 2 Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan. As for Potapova’s semifinal opponent, Kostyuk seized control against Noskova in the first-set tiebreaker, winning 7-1, then dominated the second set in less-than-ideal weather conditions to reach the Madrid semifinals for the first time. “Conditions were incredibly difficult for both of us,” Kostyuk said in her on-court interview. “It was very windy, very cold, and I felt like we started to gain some (momentum) only towards the end of the first set. Until then, I think we both weren’t sure where the ball was going sometimes. But I’m happy that I did my strategy today very well.” Kostyuk, who took the second set without dropping a game, is the only player — women’s or men’s — to reach this year’s semifinal without conceding a set. Earlier this month, she captured her first WTA title on clay at the Rouen Open in France. “Today was not that type of day in the morning and I was forcing myself to smile, to enjoy,” said Kostyuk, who saved one of five break points while Noskova saved 17 of 24. “At the end of the day it was a quarterfinal match. No matter how it would turn around, I still think it was a great performance from me these past three weeks. At the end I managed to turn that page and enjoy again.” -Field Level Media –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Anastasia #Potapova #upsets #World #Karolina #Pliskova #Madrid

Deadspin | Blue Jays rout Red Sox to win three-game set Apr 29, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Eric Lauer (56) pitches to the Boston Red Sox during the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images Ernie Clement hit a two-run homer Wednesday afternoon and the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the visiting Boston Red Sox 8-1 in the rubber match of a three-game series. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had three singles and a walk for the Blue Jays, who completed a 4-2 homestand. Brandon Valenzuela contributed two hits with a homer and a walk. Willson Contreras had two hits, including a homer for Boston. Wilyer Abreu added two hits and a walk. Marcelo Mayer singled as a pinch hitter in the seventh to extend his hit streak to a career-best eight games. Contreras homered to left on Eric Lauer’s 2-2 fastball with one out in the first. Toronto scored three in the third against struggling Brayan Bello (1-4). Valenzuela, Jesus Sanchez and Guerrero singled to load the bases. Kazuma Okamoto stroked a two-run single to left. A wild pitch put runners at second and third before Daulton Varsho walked. Yohendrick Pinango hit a single to left for his first major league RBI as Guerrero scored but Okamoto was out at home. Bello walked Valenzuela with two out in the fourth. Greg Weissert replaced Bello and Clement snapped an 0-for-11 drought with a homer to left on an 0-2 fastball. Bello allowed four runs, six hits and two walks with two strikeouts in 3 2/3 innings. Boston loaded the bases on three singles with one out in the fifth. Braydon Fisher (2-0) replaced Lauer and Contreras lined into an inning-ending double play. Lauer allowed one run, five hits while walking one with one strikeout and several hard-hit outs. Weissert allowed Guerrero’s leadoff single in the home fifth. Jovani Moran took over with one out and hit Varsho with a pitch. George Springer, activated from the injured list Wednesday, hit a pinch-hit, RBI single to center on the first pitch. Myles Straw hit a sacrifice fly to right to make it 7-1. Contreras and Abreu singled against Joe Mantiply to open the eighth. Spencer Miles entered and walked Trevor Story to load the bases with one out before ending the inning with a strikeout and a groundout. Valenzuela homered on a 3-2 hanging slider from Garrett Whitlock in the Toronto eighth. Toronto designated Eloy Jimenez for assignment to make room for Springer. Boston put left-hander Garrett Crochet (shoulder inflammation) on the IL amd utility player Nate Eaton was recalled from Triple-A Worcester. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Blue #Jays #rout #Red #Sox #win #threegame #setApr 29, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Eric Lauer (56) pitches to the Boston Red Sox during the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Ernie Clement hit a two-run homer Wednesday afternoon and the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the visiting Boston Red Sox 8-1 in the rubber match of a three-game series.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had three singles and a walk for the Blue Jays, who completed a 4-2 homestand. Brandon Valenzuela contributed two hits with a homer and a walk.

Willson Contreras had two hits, including a homer for Boston. Wilyer Abreu added two hits and a walk. Marcelo Mayer singled as a pinch hitter in the seventh to extend his hit streak to a career-best eight games.

Contreras homered to left on Eric Lauer’s 2-2 fastball with one out in the first.

Toronto scored three in the third against struggling Brayan Bello (1-4). Valenzuela, Jesus Sanchez and Guerrero singled to load the bases. Kazuma Okamoto stroked a two-run single to left. A wild pitch put runners at second and third before Daulton Varsho walked. Yohendrick Pinango hit a single to left for his first major league RBI as Guerrero scored but Okamoto was out at home.

Bello walked Valenzuela with two out in the fourth. Greg Weissert replaced Bello and Clement snapped an 0-for-11 drought with a homer to left on an 0-2 fastball.

Bello allowed four runs, six hits and two walks with two strikeouts in 3 2/3 innings.


Boston loaded the bases on three singles with one out in the fifth. Braydon Fisher (2-0) replaced Lauer and Contreras lined into an inning-ending double play.

Lauer allowed one run, five hits while walking one with one strikeout and several hard-hit outs.

Weissert allowed Guerrero’s leadoff single in the home fifth. Jovani Moran took over with one out and hit Varsho with a pitch. George Springer, activated from the injured list Wednesday, hit a pinch-hit, RBI single to center on the first pitch. Myles Straw hit a sacrifice fly to right to make it 7-1.

Contreras and Abreu singled against Joe Mantiply to open the eighth. Spencer Miles entered and walked Trevor Story to load the bases with one out before ending the inning with a strikeout and a groundout.

Valenzuela homered on a 3-2 hanging slider from Garrett Whitlock in the Toronto eighth.

Toronto designated Eloy Jimenez for assignment to make room for Springer.

Boston put left-hander Garrett Crochet (shoulder inflammation) on the IL amd utility player Nate Eaton was recalled from Triple-A Worcester.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Blue #Jays #rout #Red #Sox #win #threegame #set">Deadspin | Blue Jays rout Red Sox to win three-game set Apr 29, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Eric Lauer (56) pitches to the Boston Red Sox during the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images Ernie Clement hit a two-run homer Wednesday afternoon and the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the visiting Boston Red Sox 8-1 in the rubber match of a three-game series. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had three singles and a walk for the Blue Jays, who completed a 4-2 homestand. Brandon Valenzuela contributed two hits with a homer and a walk. Willson Contreras had two hits, including a homer for Boston. Wilyer Abreu added two hits and a walk. Marcelo Mayer singled as a pinch hitter in the seventh to extend his hit streak to a career-best eight games. Contreras homered to left on Eric Lauer’s 2-2 fastball with one out in the first. Toronto scored three in the third against struggling Brayan Bello (1-4). Valenzuela, Jesus Sanchez and Guerrero singled to load the bases. Kazuma Okamoto stroked a two-run single to left. A wild pitch put runners at second and third before Daulton Varsho walked. Yohendrick Pinango hit a single to left for his first major league RBI as Guerrero scored but Okamoto was out at home. Bello walked Valenzuela with two out in the fourth. Greg Weissert replaced Bello and Clement snapped an 0-for-11 drought with a homer to left on an 0-2 fastball. Bello allowed four runs, six hits and two walks with two strikeouts in 3 2/3 innings. Boston loaded the bases on three singles with one out in the fifth. Braydon Fisher (2-0) replaced Lauer and Contreras lined into an inning-ending double play. Lauer allowed one run, five hits while walking one with one strikeout and several hard-hit outs. Weissert allowed Guerrero’s leadoff single in the home fifth. Jovani Moran took over with one out and hit Varsho with a pitch. George Springer, activated from the injured list Wednesday, hit a pinch-hit, RBI single to center on the first pitch. Myles Straw hit a sacrifice fly to right to make it 7-1. Contreras and Abreu singled against Joe Mantiply to open the eighth. Spencer Miles entered and walked Trevor Story to load the bases with one out before ending the inning with a strikeout and a groundout. Valenzuela homered on a 3-2 hanging slider from Garrett Whitlock in the Toronto eighth. Toronto designated Eloy Jimenez for assignment to make room for Springer. Boston put left-hander Garrett Crochet (shoulder inflammation) on the IL amd utility player Nate Eaton was recalled from Triple-A Worcester. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Blue #Jays #rout #Red #Sox #win #threegame #set

The San Antonio Spurs took care of the Portland Trailblazers in round one on Tuesday night, finishing the series off 114-95 in a “gentleman’s sweep”. Victor Wembanyama was back to 100% in this one with a quiet, yet efficient 17-point, 14-rebound performance.

Outside of missing some time with a concussion, Wemby proved, at least early in the playoffs, that the moment will not be too big for him. Excluding game two, where he only played 12 minutes before leaving with his concussion, Wemby averaged 26-points and 10-rebounds a night in this series. Also, Portland did not reach 100 points in any full game in which Wemby was available.

All of this goes to say that the Spurs can go as far as Wemby takes them in the playoffs. He’s the face of their franchise and proving to be at least a top-five player in the entire league.

I wanted to start this by giving Victor Wembanyama his due flowers, because the Spurs are truly great because of him; however, De’Aaron Fox might be the single most underrated player in the entire NBA.

Throughout the playoffs, we’ve seen the rise of San Antonio’s other young stars in Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper. Both of them have been tremendous at points in the playoffs, and because of that, it’s hard to imagine a future where the Spurs can keep Fox long-term.

But that’s the best part about watching a young team. You’re able to keep a lot of veterans on the rosters, while the young and up-and-coming stars are still on their rookie contracts. Because of that, a guy like De’Aaron Fox can become really underrated.

Outside of a poor shooting game two, Fox was super efficient in this first round of the playoffs. He averaged just over 20 points a game while shooting 50% from the field and 37% from three. Most importantly, in the fourth quarter of the final two games of the series, he emerged as the closer.

Over those two games, he was 10/13 from the field in the 4th quarter, and was consistently hitting big shots when the Spurs needed them. One of the biggest issues young teams face in the playoffs is closing out games.

You obviously need Wemby to take over most fourth quarters, but having a reliable guard who consistently hits big shots and plays his best in the clutch is massive. Castle and Harper are going to be the future, but San Antonio looks like a team that can win right now. If that’s going to happen, they’re going to need Fox to continue his great play in the clutch.

#DeAaron #Fox #XFactor #San #Antonio #Spurs #Playoff #Success #Deadspin.com">De’Aaron Fox Is the X-Factor to San Antonio Spurs Playoff Success | Deadspin.com The San Antonio Spurs took care of the Portland Trailblazers in round one on Tuesday night, finishing the series off 114-95 in a “gentleman’s sweep”. Victor Wembanyama was back to 100% in this one with a quiet, yet efficient 17-point, 14-rebound performance.Outside of missing some time with a concussion, Wemby proved, at least early in the playoffs, that the moment will not be too big for him. Excluding game two, where he only played 12 minutes before leaving with his concussion, Wemby averaged 26-points and 10-rebounds a night in this series. Also, Portland did not reach 100 points in any full game in which Wemby was available.All of this goes to say that the Spurs can go as far as Wemby takes them in the playoffs. He’s the face of their franchise and proving to be at least a top-five player in the entire league.I wanted to start this by giving Victor Wembanyama his due flowers, because the Spurs are truly great because of him; however, De’Aaron Fox might be the single most underrated player in the entire NBA.Throughout the playoffs, we’ve seen the rise of San Antonio’s other young stars in Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper. Both of them have been tremendous at points in the playoffs, and because of that, it’s hard to imagine a future where the Spurs can keep Fox long-term.But that’s the best part about watching a young team. You’re able to keep a lot of veterans on the rosters, while the young and up-and-coming stars are still on their rookie contracts. Because of that, a guy like De’Aaron Fox can become really underrated.Outside of a poor shooting game two, Fox was super efficient in this first round of the playoffs. He averaged just over 20 points a game while shooting 50% from the field and 37% from three. Most importantly, in the fourth quarter of the final two games of the series, he emerged as the closer.Over those two games, he was 10/13 from the field in the 4th quarter, and was consistently hitting big shots when the Spurs needed them. One of the biggest issues young teams face in the playoffs is closing out games.You obviously need Wemby to take over most fourth quarters, but having a reliable guard who consistently hits big shots and plays his best in the clutch is massive. Castle and Harper are going to be the future, but San Antonio looks like a team that can win right now. If that’s going to happen, they’re going to need Fox to continue his great play in the clutch. #DeAaron #Fox #XFactor #San #Antonio #Spurs #Playoff #Success #Deadspin.com

the Spurs are truly great because of him; however, De’Aaron Fox might be the single most underrated player in the entire NBA.

Throughout the playoffs, we’ve seen the rise of San Antonio’s other young stars in Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper. Both of them have been tremendous at points in the playoffs, and because of that, it’s hard to imagine a future where the Spurs can keep Fox long-term.

But that’s the best part about watching a young team. You’re able to keep a lot of veterans on the rosters, while the young and up-and-coming stars are still on their rookie contracts. Because of that, a guy like De’Aaron Fox can become really underrated.

Outside of a poor shooting game two, Fox was super efficient in this first round of the playoffs. He averaged just over 20 points a game while shooting 50% from the field and 37% from three. Most importantly, in the fourth quarter of the final two games of the series, he emerged as the closer.

Over those two games, he was 10/13 from the field in the 4th quarter, and was consistently hitting big shots when the Spurs needed them. One of the biggest issues young teams face in the playoffs is closing out games.

You obviously need Wemby to take over most fourth quarters, but having a reliable guard who consistently hits big shots and plays his best in the clutch is massive. Castle and Harper are going to be the future, but San Antonio looks like a team that can win right now. If that’s going to happen, they’re going to need Fox to continue his great play in the clutch.

#DeAaron #Fox #XFactor #San #Antonio #Spurs #Playoff #Success #Deadspin.com">De’Aaron Fox Is the X-Factor to San Antonio Spurs Playoff Success | Deadspin.com

The San Antonio Spurs took care of the Portland Trailblazers in round one on Tuesday night, finishing the series off 114-95 in a “gentleman’s sweep”. Victor Wembanyama was back to 100% in this one with a quiet, yet efficient 17-point, 14-rebound performance.

Outside of missing some time with a concussion, Wemby proved, at least early in the playoffs, that the moment will not be too big for him. Excluding game two, where he only played 12 minutes before leaving with his concussion, Wemby averaged 26-points and 10-rebounds a night in this series. Also, Portland did not reach 100 points in any full game in which Wemby was available.

All of this goes to say that the Spurs can go as far as Wemby takes them in the playoffs. He’s the face of their franchise and proving to be at least a top-five player in the entire league.

I wanted to start this by giving Victor Wembanyama his due flowers, because the Spurs are truly great because of him; however, De’Aaron Fox might be the single most underrated player in the entire NBA.

Throughout the playoffs, we’ve seen the rise of San Antonio’s other young stars in Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper. Both of them have been tremendous at points in the playoffs, and because of that, it’s hard to imagine a future where the Spurs can keep Fox long-term.

But that’s the best part about watching a young team. You’re able to keep a lot of veterans on the rosters, while the young and up-and-coming stars are still on their rookie contracts. Because of that, a guy like De’Aaron Fox can become really underrated.

Outside of a poor shooting game two, Fox was super efficient in this first round of the playoffs. He averaged just over 20 points a game while shooting 50% from the field and 37% from three. Most importantly, in the fourth quarter of the final two games of the series, he emerged as the closer.

Over those two games, he was 10/13 from the field in the 4th quarter, and was consistently hitting big shots when the Spurs needed them. One of the biggest issues young teams face in the playoffs is closing out games.

You obviously need Wemby to take over most fourth quarters, but having a reliable guard who consistently hits big shots and plays his best in the clutch is massive. Castle and Harper are going to be the future, but San Antonio looks like a team that can win right now. If that’s going to happen, they’re going to need Fox to continue his great play in the clutch.

#DeAaron #Fox #XFactor #San #Antonio #Spurs #Playoff #Success #Deadspin.com

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