The Minnesota Timberwolves just tied the series vs the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4, but now the pressure is even higher. What the San Antonio Spurs are not worried about is the Wolves or even Wembanyama; they are watching the status of De’Aaron Fox and his ankle before their biggest game in the last 5 Years.

In a series this physical and intense, even the smallest injuries can change everything, and with both Wembanyama and Fox suffering lower-leg injuries, this one part of the body could ruin the Spurs’ entire season.

Fox Is the Spurs’ Tempo Setter

De’Aaron Fox does not just dominate on offense for the Spurs; he is one of the most complete Point Guards in the NBA. His transition speed and pick-and-roll creation pair perfectly with Wembanyama, with his half-court pressure and veteran control complementing the Spurs’ otherwise young roster.

He changes how fast and how confidently the San Antonio Spurs operate on offense. Without him at full health, the offense loses its rhythm.

The timing could not be worse. The series is going into Game 5 with the entire series tied 2-2, and the momentum is already shifting towards the Minnesota Timberwolves after their aggressive response in Game 4.

This is the point in the playoffs where talent starts to matter less, and the mental games start to show, because if you can not handle the pressure of the moment, then you are not built for the playoffs.

Even if Fox decides to play, ankle injuries still leave many issues. Explosiveness, lateral movement, and speed are all factors that De’Aaron Fox relies so heavily on in his game. Against a physical, athletic defense like Minnesota’s, this might be the most crucial overlook.

With Victor Wembanyama fired up after yesterday’s ejection in game 4, this adds a deeper, emotional tension to the series, and we all know that Minnesota is not going to surrender, so it is now up to Fox’s health to shift the momentum back into the Spurs’ favour.

The good news for the Spurs is that this specific ankle injury does not appear to be serious, but the bad news is that playoff basketball takes advantage of even the smallest weaknesses, and with the series now reduced to the best of 3 games, Fox’s ankle condition may quietly become the defining factor of the entire series.

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