The 2023 Clutch Player of the Year Shines Again

De’Aaron Fox has always been one of my favorite players to watch. The Spurs have become one of my favorite teams to watch. Jaren Jackson Junior is one of my favorite defenders to watch. And as such, the last 3 minutes of tonight’s Grizzlies and Spurs game were an absolute treat.

The heroes? Foxy, Luke Kornet, and Harrison Barnes secured the win for the Spurs.

As the shot clock dwindled down, sensational rookie Cedric Coward drove past Julian Champagnie with some space. Going up to the rim, he was met by Kornet — who recorded his 5th block of the game — and halted the Grizzlies’ flow. Kornet would proceed to keep the momentum alive, following it up with an offensive rebound the next possession, and a tap out after that.

The ball would fly way into the backcourt, recovered by 2023’s Clutch Player of the Year De’Aaron Fox. Foxy proceeded to hit a dagger stop-and-pop 3 over 2023 DPOY Jaren Jackson Junior for a 7 point lead. Even when he didn’t hit his 2 shots before that, his handle was tight and he held onto the ball nicely, preventing any Grizzlies transition opportunities.

That handle is part of the skillset that makes him arguably the best clutch player in the sport, and contributed to holding momentum.

The former Sacramento King went on to lock up Cam Spencer on a drive, highlighting his transition into a two-way star. The Grizzlies offense would not catch a break afterwards. In the final possession of the game, Fox deflected the ball away from what would have been a slightly open 3-point attempt from Spencer. The ball however, ended up in Jackson Junior’s hands.

Despite the runaway DPOY Victor Wembanyama being out from injury, the Spurs’ defense did not hinder. Harrison Barnes immediately jumped into a contest for JJJ’s 3 pointer, leading to a miss and killing any hopes of a miracle comeback. Barnes finished the game with 31 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists on 50% shooting, including seven 3-pointers made.

Even without Wemby and All-Star candidate Stephon Castle, Fox’s 11 fourth quarter points sealed the Grizzlies’ defeat. He finished the game with 29 points, 4 assists, and 3 steals on 42% from the field and 50% from 3-point range. The Spurs improved to a 6–2 record in Wemby’s absence, and a 9–2 record at home.

The 2023 Clutch Player of the Year is holding the reins steady in the absence of the franchise player, reminding fans that San Antonio does not have only one superstar. Fox is just a year removed from being Sacramento’s franchise player, and hasn’t lost his touch one bit.