Fox Scores 24 in Comeback Game for San Antonio Spurs

San Antonio Spurs star guard De’Aaron Fox made a strong return to the court on Saturday, scoring 24 points on 9-for-14 shooting in a victory against the New Orleans Pelicans. The win helped the Spurs strengthen their lead in the Southwest Division. After being sidelined for over two weeks with a hamstring injury, Fox’s comeback brought renewed energy to the team and excitement to the fans.

Fox’s performance was impressive, especially considering it was his first game since March. Earlier this year, he underwent surgery to repair a torn tendon in his left pinky finger soon after arriving in San Antonio from Sacramento in a three-team trade. Despite the long layoff, Fox looked comfortable and confident, contributing not only with scoring but also with three rebounds and three assists in more than 31 minutes of play.

Spurs teammate Devin Vassell described Fox’s comeback as “Fox being Fox,” showing how natural his leadership and playmaking appeared on the floor. Coach Gregg Popovich praised his composure and ability to bring balance to the team’s offense. Even Fox admitted that some rust remained but felt happy to be back competing at a high level.

“Obviously, there was rust,” Fox said after the game. “I played some five-on-five before this, but not much. I hadn’t played a real game since March, and I didn’t play full court all summer. So this was a big test for me, but I’m glad to be out there again.” His words reflected both honesty and optimism, as he looked ahead to regaining full rhythm in the coming weeks.

Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs’ rising young star, supported Fox with an outstanding performance of his own. He recorded 18 points and 18 rebounds, earning his first double-double since October 30. His defensive presence and rebounding helped secure the win and eased Fox’s return to game action. The pair showed promising chemistry that could become a strong foundation for the Spurs this season.

The Spurs’ win was more than just a good comeback story for Fox—it also helped end the team’s losing streak. They had struggled in the past few games, and his return gave them the spark they needed. Now, San Antonio looks to carry that momentum into their next matchup against the Chicago Bulls, where they aim to break a six-game losing streak against the Bulls dating back to February 2023.

The Chicago Bulls, who have lost two straight games and three of their last four, will host the Spurs next. The Bulls have recently struggled to contain top NBA scorers, allowing big performances from Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo and Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell. Stopping both Fox and Wembanyama will be a big challenge for Chicago’s defense.

Bulls coach Billy Donovan admitted his team must “find a way collectively to generate more spacing and penetration.” He emphasized the need for teamwork and better ball movement to create scoring chances. “We have to create that kind of help ourselves,” Donovan said, adding that stars like Mitchell and Giannis draw defensive attention, while the Bulls must build their own offensive rhythm.

Chicago’s recent games have been marked by missed opportunities. Against the Cavaliers, the Bulls blew a 19-point lead in the second quarter and a 16-point lead in the third. Guard Josh Giddey admitted, “End-of-game execution needs to be a lot better on both sides of the ball.” The team hopes to correct these issues before facing the energized Spurs.

The Spurs are confident that having Fox back will make a huge difference. His leadership, speed, and experience offer exactly what the young squad needs to compete at a higher level. With Wembanyama continuing to mature and Fox returning to form, San Antonio could become one of the more exciting teams to watch this season.

When the Spurs meet the Bulls, it will be a test of form and focus for both sides. The Bulls’ Nikola Vucevic has been a consistent threat against San Antonio, averaging 24.8 points and 11.2 rebounds in his last five games against them. Patrick Williams has also scored in double digits in five straight matchups. However, with Fox and Wembanyama leading the charge, the Spurs will aim to turn the tide in their favor.