Spurs aim to extend Finals at home after tight Game 4 loss
spurs-aim-to-extend-finals-at-home-after-tight-game-4-loss
Down 3-1 in the 2026 NBA Finals, the San Antonio Spurs return to Frost Bank Center on Saturday determined to keep the series alive against their unnamed opponent in Game 5.
“Everybody thinks, everybody knows, we’re going to do it,” rookie star Victor Wembanyama said, according to The Athletic. The 22-year-old center emphasized taking the series “one game at a time” and dismissed fatigue concerns, noting the two-day break between contests.
Point guard De’Aaron Fox echoed that optimism, pointing to past 3-1 comebacks around the league. “The games we’re losing have all been close,” he said. “We still have that belief that we have a chance to win.”
Roster update
Primary backup center Luke Kornet is listed as questionable for Game 5 because of an illness, ESPN reported. Kornet is averaging 7.8 minutes in the series and logged four minutes in Wednesday’s defeat.
Coaching confidence in Fox
Head coach Mitch Johnson dismissed outside criticism of Fox’s late-game decisions in Game 4. “De’Aaron Fox will have the basketball in his hands at the end of the game tomorrow, and I have the utmost confidence he’s going to deliver,” Johnson told ESPN. Fox acknowledged his mistakes but said the focus is on learning and moving forward.
Discipline the key
Analysts cited by ESPN’s Ben Golliver highlighted composure and discipline as decisive factors for San Antonio. Johnson reinforced that message in the locker room, telling players the franchise’s foundation is “belief.” Rookie guard Dylan Harper summed up the mood: “Backs against the wall. If we believe we are who we think we are, then it’s going to show.”
The Spurs must correct the late-game lapses that cost them Game 4 to force a Game 6. Tipoff for Saturday’s matchup in San Antonio is scheduled for 8 p.m. local time.
Source: Hoops Rumors
