Spurs regroup after historic Game 4 collapse, eye Game 5; Wembanyama sits one flagrant from suspension
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The San Antonio Spurs spent Thursday processing one of the NBA Finals’ most dramatic turnarounds—a 29-point lead that vanished in Wednesday’s Game 4 loss to the New York Knicks. With the series shifting to San Antonio for Game 5 on Saturday night, the club’s immediate task is to move past the collapse and keep its championship hopes alive.
Inside a subdued locker room, most players sat silently while reporters entered, according to Andscape’s Marc J. Spears. Forward Keldon Johnson acknowledged the sting of a 3-1 deficit but insisted confidence remains intact. “It’s a tough pill to swallow,” he said. “Our belief is as high as ever. You don’t get here without faith in each other, and that’s not going to change now.”
Head coach Mitch Johnson struck a similar tone during his post-game remarks, delivered just feet from celebrating Knicks fans. “We have two days to put everything we have into that game. That’s the only game that matters,” he noted, adding that San Antonio feels it “decided the outcome of all four games” and must be sharper Saturday.
Wembanyama faces suspension risk
Rookie center Victor Wembanyama collected his third flagrant-foul point of the postseason when officials assessed a Flagrant 1 for elbowing Karl-Anthony Towns in the chin during the third quarter. One more flagrant point would trigger an automatic one-game suspension, but the 7-foot-4 standout told the San Antonio Express-News he will not alter his style. “Of course, I’m going to be more careful, but it’s not going to change much,” Wembanyama said.
Fox under scrutiny after late-game decision
Guard De’Aaron Fox drew criticism for attempting a layup following a steal with 11 seconds left instead of pulling the ball out. OG Anunoby blocked the shot, reclaimed possession and eventually tipped in the winning basket. Melissa Rohlin of The California Post argued Fox should not shoulder the entire blame, noting San Antonio was outscored 32-16 in the fourth quarter.
Offensive breakdown analyzed
Paul Garcia of The Spot Up Shot reviewed game film to pinpoint why the Spurs’ offense stalled after halftime, contributing to the Knicks’ comeback.
Game 5 tips off Saturday at Frost Bank Center, where San Antonio must win to extend the series.
Source: Hoops Rumors
