De’Aaron Fox made an impressive season debut for the San Antonio Spurs, scoring 24 points to help secure a 126-119 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night. His return from a hamstring injury provided a significant boost to the team’s offensive firepower and showcased his ability to integrate seamlessly with the young roster.
In his first game back, Fox demonstrated why the Spurs acquired him, shooting 9-for-14 from the field in just over 30 minutes of play. He ignited a personal 13-point run in the second quarter, breaking a 32-all tie and giving San Antonio a lead they never relinquished. Teammate Victor Wembanyama added a dominant double-double with 18 points and 18 rebounds, while rookie Stephon Castle contributed 14 points and 14 assists, highlighting the team’s balanced and unselfish approach. The Spurs’ depth was on full display as eight players scored in double figures, overwhelming a short-handed Pelicans squad.
The game began with San Antonio setting a defensive tone, holding New Orleans to a season-low 22 points in the first quarter. This early dominance allowed the Spurs to control the tempo throughout, despite a strong performance from Pelicans’ Trey Murphy III, who scored 41 points. Murphy’s high-arcing 31-foot three-pointer at the end of the third quarter briefly energized the opposition, but San Antonio’s consistent offense and Fox’s clutch plays kept them ahead. The victory marked the Spurs’ second straight win after a two-game slide, improving their record and reinforcing their early-season momentum.
Fox’s debut was highly anticipated after he missed the start of the season due to a right hamstring injury sustained during offseason preparations. This setback followed season-ending surgery in March to repair a torn tendon in his left pinky finger, which cut short his initial stint with the team after a mid-season trade from Sacramento. The cautious approach to his recovery, emphasized by the medical staff, aimed to protect his long-term health, especially after signing a four-year extension in August. Fox admitted to feeling some rust but trusted the process, noting that it was challenging to wait while eager to contribute.
In post-game comments, Fox expressed confidence in his abilities, smiling as he remarked, “I mean, I’m good at basketball,” when asked about a key floating jumper in the final minute that sealed the win. His teammates echoed the excitement, with Castle stating, “We’ve been waiting for Fox to get back, really all summer. It’s great to have him back on the court.” Coach Mitch Johnson praised Fox’s dynamic play and ability to close games, a trait that earned him the 2023 NBA Clutch Player of the Year award, and highlighted the importance of his integration with the core players.
The return of Fox adds a new dimension to the Spurs’ offense, particularly in tandem with Wembanyama, whose presence on the court creates spacing and opportunities for others. Fox compared Wembanyama to stars like Steph Curry for his gravity without the ball, suggesting that their partnership could elevate the team’s performance. With only six games played together since Fox’s acquisition, the developing chemistry is seen as a key factor in San Antonio’s quest to end a six-year playoff drought and build on their franchise-best 5-0 start to the season.
Looking ahead, the Spurs aim to maintain this positive trajectory as Fox continues to regain full fitness and synchronize with the roster. The win over New Orleans not only boosts morale but also signals potential for a competitive push in the Western Conference. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if this duo can transform the Spurs into contenders, with upcoming games serving as critical tests for their revived aspirations.
