De'Aaron Fox's absence loomed large in Spurs' Game 2 loss

Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder, 122-113, in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals. Although the Spurs managed to keep pace with the Thunder through multiple scoring flurries during the contest, San Antonio ultimately could not overcome the frequent turnovers and the absence of one of its veteran leaders, De'Aaron Fox. 

De'Aaron Fox's absence cost San Antonio

Fox has missed the first two games of the conference finals due to a high ankle sprain. Fox, 28, is viewed as San Antonio's veteran leader and presence in the locker room. In fact, the Spurs starting lineup without Fox — featuring Dylan Harper, Stephon Castle, Julian Champagnie, Devin Vassell and Wembanyama — owns the youngest average age (22 years, 346 days) for a starting lineup in conference finals history.

In Game 1, the Spurs outlasted the Thunder in double overtime despite the absence of Fox and 21 total turnovers. If Wembanyama had not delivered a prolific performance of 41 points, 24 rebounds and three blocks, the Spurs could very well be in a 0-2 deficit. 

With Fox sidelined, Castle has taken over as San Antonio's primary ball handler. In Game 1, Castle committed 11 turnovers. Although he played aggressively and knocked down big shots, he also attempted a bevy of ill-advised passes, and those mistakes carried over into Game 2 with nine turnovers. 

Fox has a respectable amount of playoff experience. In 2023, Fox led the Sacramento Kings in a highly competitive seven-game series against the then-defending champion Golden State Warriors in the first round. 

Despite the series loss, Fox averaged 27.4 points, 7.7 assists and 5.4 rebounds, proving he can lead a prolific scoring offense. San Antonio acquired Fox not only for his scoring ability but also for his ability to command the offense and provide leadership for one of the NBA's youngest rosters. 

De'Aaron Fox's and Dylan Harper's statuses loom large entering Game 3

Despite Castle's nine turnovers in Game 2, the Spurs remained within striking distance late in the fourth quarter. It is fair to wonder whether San Antonio could have held a 2-0 series lead if Fox had been available and a few costly turnovers had been avoided.

Nevertheless, the statuses of Fox and Harper for Game 3 have become major storylines as the series shifts to San Antonio. Harper, the Spurs' 2025 draft pick, suffered a right hamstring strain in the third quarter of Game 2 and did not return. 

If Fox and Harper are both unavailable for Game 3, even more pressure will fall on the 21-year-old Castle to orchestrate the offense in a high-stakes playoff environment.