San Antonio Spurs point guard De'Aaron Fox responded to criticism regarding his final-second layup attempt during Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals.

The response follows a high-stakes loss that shifted the momentum of the championship series. Fox's missed opportunity at the buzzer served as the focal point for fans and analysts after the Spurs failed to secure a victory in New York.

The game took place Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden, the home arena of the New York Knicks. The Spurs suffered a 107-106 loss [1], a result that was compounded by a 29-point collapse [2] during the contest. The missed layup in the closing moments of Game 4 [3] was widely viewed as a missed chance to win the game for San Antonio.

Fox addressed the backlash following the game. He said that he is not going to let the criticism get to him [4]. The point guard focused on the finality of the event, noting that he cannot change the outcome now [5].

Despite the frustration surrounding the finish, the Spurs had fought back from a significant deficit before the final buzzer. The 29-point swing [2] highlighted a volatile performance by the team in the hostile environment of the New York crowd. The loss leaves the Spurs searching for consistency as they attempt to navigate the remainder of the finals.

Fox has remained steadfast in his approach to the criticism. He said he is not letting the tough finish get in his head [6]. By dismissing the external noise, Fox aims to maintain his focus on the upcoming games of the series.

“"Can't change it now."”

This situation underscores the immense pressure on star players during the NBA Finals, where a single play can define a game's narrative. Fox's public dismissal of the criticism is a strategic move to maintain locker room morale and personal composure after a significant collapse. For the Spurs, the ability to recover from a 29-point deficit only to lose by one point suggests a team that is competitive but struggling to close out games in high-pressure away environments.