“I’ve never been this efficient in my entire career”

Most Used Player by Mitch Johnson face au ThunderDe’Aaron Fox had 22 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists on 8-of-15 shooting. A very clean game with only one turnover against the best defense in the NBA, and the former Kings leader explains that he has never been so efficient in his career. He should not overdo it or force it.

“I’m the same player I’ve been for the last five or six years” he assures. “But I think people are seeing it more now, and playing with someone like Vick … I’m having the most efficient season of my career. It’s not like I’ve suddenly improved last year. But the players around me — Dylan, Steph, Vick — make the game easier. And I think that’s why I’m so efficient this season and winning games.”

Less insulation

In the numbers, this has been confirmed and Fox is showing increasing statistics compared to his career averages of 24 points, 6.3 assists, 3.8 rebounds on 48.6% shooting, 39% on threes and 84% on free throws. Unlike what he did with the Kings, he’s done playing “hero ball.”

“As we all know, I’m capable of putting together some crazy streaks, I’m 20-0. But we have a team that’s capable of enduring other teams’ streaks, and I think that’s why we’re in the position we’re in today.” he analyzes. “For me it is to continue to choose my moments well, to play with others. Playing with all these guys — Dylan, Steph, Vic — also makes my game a lot easier. I’ve never been more efficient in my entire career. They are what make the game so much easier for me. Obviously, there are times when I have to create my own shot, and we all know I’m perfectly capable of that. But being able to play with their support makes the game a little bit easier.”

No need to dribble all over the court

Spurs were at full strength for the first time tonight, and they even allowed themselves to start Wemby as the 6th man. For Fox, the room for improvement is huge, and what changes is that he can get the ball out much quicker with forwards like Harper, Wembanjama and Castle alongside him.

“Personally, we talk about playing fast without rushing. If I get a throw-in and one of these two guys is in front of me, yes, I’m fast, but if I can send the ball forward, 99% of the time I’ll do it” he confirms. “And knowing that now, when they catch the ball, there are maybe two or three defenders in front of them instead of five, or that there are fewer of them, instead of ten eyes on them, it makes the game easier for both them and me. Because they attack the paint from there, we get 3-point shots from passes, or layups, dunks, it completely opens up…”