De'Aaron Fox explained his controversial decision to attempt a transition layup as the San Antonio Spurs led the New York Knicks by one point with 11.1 seconds left in Game 4 of the NBA Finals.
"Haven't scored. Try to get a layup, get up three (points) ... force them to need a three and OG made a good block," Fox told reporters postgame, including The Athletic's Jared Weiss.
OG Anunoby's effort and block with the game on the line! pic.twitter.com/LO3TnDv8Iw
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Fox sprinted upcourt to retrieve a loose ball following Jalen Brunson's missed shot. Immediately after gaining possession, the Spurs veteran opted to go for a basket instead of eating some clock before getting fouled.
"I just thought I'd be able to outrun (Anunoby)," Fox said.
Fox's blunder set the stage for OG Anunoby's epic game-winning putback.
San Antonio had one last chance to win Game 4 but couldn't get a shot off on the final possession.
The Knicks' 29-point comeback victory was the largest in NBA Finals history.
The Spurs head home down 3-1 in the series. Game 5 is set for Saturday evening.
A 3-1 series comeback has only occurred 15 times in NBA playoff history, but two of them happened this year as the Detroit Pistons and Philadelphia 76ers surged back to advance out of the first round. The lone club to accomplish the feat in the Finals was the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016.
