SAN ANTONIO — Point guard De’Aaron Fox returned from a right hamstring injury and delivered 24 points Saturday night, guiding the San Antonio Spurs to a 126-119 win over the New Orleans Pelicans.
Playing his first game since March 12, Fox shot 9-for-14 and knocked down a 10-foot floater with 29 seconds remaining to secure the victory. “I’m good at basketball,” he said with a smile when asked about the late shot.
The 2023 NBA Clutch Player of the Year had missed the first eight games while recovering from an offseason hamstring issue that occurred during only his third five-on-five workout after hand surgery. San Antonio acquired Fox from Sacramento in a three-team trade on Feb. 5 and signed him to a four-year extension Aug. 5.
“He’s dynamic,” Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson said. “It’s good to have him back on the court, and hopefully we can keep building.”
Fox joined rookie center Victor Wembanyama for just the sixth time and started alongside first-year guard Stephon Castle for the first time. Wembanyama finished with 18 points and 18 rebounds, while Castle posted 14 points and 14 assists. Eight Spurs reached double figures as the club earned its second straight win after a franchise-best 5-0 start was followed by two losses.
San Antonio is attempting to end a six-year playoff drought after making the postseason 22 consecutive seasons and winning five NBA championships. Fox said the medical staff urged caution with his return. “I signed a contract to be here long term, so they want to protect the asset and make sure the asset is ready,” he explained.
Source: ESPN
