The San Antonio Spurs had every opportunity to tie the series up 2-2 against the New York Knicks on Wednesday night, but instead, Victor Wembanyama's squad allowed a 29-point comeback to put their dreams of winning the NBA Finals to rest.
For the Detroit Pistons, watching an Eastern Conference rival like the Knicks win a championship is disappointing, but the silver lining of New York's comeback is that it may have opened the door for Trajan Langdon to find star guard Cade Cunningham the help that he desperately needs.
Obviously, it's not over until the Knicks can close out the series, and close-out games are often considered the toughest part of the battle, but it's safe to say that the Spurs have their backs against the wall, and blowing a lead that big in a must-win game is demoralizing.
There's plenty of blame to go around for the Spurs' collapse, but the one player who will be singled out for the loss is veteran guard De'Aaron Fox, whose boneheaded choices could lead to a difficult offseason decision for the Spurs.
Spurs could move De'Aaron Fox, Pistons should consider a move
There are a million reasons for San Antonio forfeiting their double-digit lead, but arguably the biggest moment that people will look back on that cost them the game is De'Aaron Fox's questionable decision to go up for a weak layup with OG Anunoby trailing him, rather than just pulling the ball out and finishing the game at the free-throw line.
Fox's future with the Spurs was already in question, given the emergence of rookie Dylan Harper, who looks fully capable of filling the starting spot in the backcourt next to Stephon Castle moving forward.
Still, after the veteran's NBA Finals struggles and a play that could cost them the series, San Antonio may seriously consider a move to offload the former All-Star guard this offseason.
You're probably wondering: why in the world would the Pistons trade for Fox if he just proved he's not trustworthy on the biggest stage?
Fox still can be a top guard in the league
At 28, Fox still has plenty left in the tank, and he could be the perfect complement next to Cunningham in the backcourt, considering he's a proven scorer and a willing facilitator who can run the offense.
Not to mention, win-or-lose, Fox will officially have NBA Finals experience that could prove useful to the Pistons.
Just a few years removed from a career year, averaging 26.6 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.6 rebounds, there's hope that Fox can still be that All-Star talent he once was, and if he can show shades of that player next to Cunningham, Detroit would be a problem in the East.
Not to mention, with his $37 million cap hit, the Pistons could have a window to make a move for him before his four-year extension kicks in, which will make acquiring him slightly more difficult.
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