Story perspectives

Spurs Take 3-1 Lead as Fox Scores 28, Signs Extension

4/29/2026

Summary

Fox Extension

The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 4, taking a 3-1 series lead as De'Aaron Fox scored 28 points.
Fox recorded 7 assists, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks and 4-of-8 three-pointers while shooting 11-of-17 overall.
He signed a four-year, $50 million-$60 million extension through 2029-2030, pairing his scoring with guards Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper for the Spurs.

Summary

Fox Criticizes Referees

De'Aaron Fox said playoff referees were “swallowing their whistles” and treating games differently.
NBA said it will not alter officiating standards for the postseason and expects to fine Fox.
FanDuel listed the San Antonio Spurs as –650 favorites to win Game 5.
Portland’s bench outscored San Antonio’s bench 34-24, showing a secondary-unit production gap.
Victor Wembanyama returned from concussion protocols in Game 4 and recorded 27 points, 11 rebounds and seven blocks.

Summary

Popovich Rotates

The Spurs’ win-by-committee model produced a scorer in each of the four playoff wins, with Victor Wembanyama 35, Stephon Castle 33 and De’Aaron Fox 28 points.
Coach Gregg Popovich rotates Victor Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson, delivering plays.
The roster’s depth lets the Spurs absorb star performances, with rim protection, shot creation, playmaking, energy and Harper’s bench scoring giving an arsenal that mirrors franchise’s dynasty.

History

Historical Context

After the lockout-shortened 1998-99 season, Popovich’s Spurs, anchored by the Twin Towers of Tim Duncan and David Robinson, captured their first NBA title with a 4-1 Finals win over the New York Knicks and a league-best 37-13 record. That championship forged a culture of defense and depth that today’s roster—featuring Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox—continues to rely on.

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Fox Extension

The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 4, taking a 3-1 series lead as De'Aaron Fox scored 28 points.
Fox recorded 7 assists, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks and 4-of-8 three-pointers while shooting 11-of-17 overall.
He signed a four-year, $50 million-$60 million extension through 2029-2030, pairing his scoring with guards Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper for the Spurs.

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