Tempers flared in the second quarter of Game 5 between the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks, and the moment that flipped the energy came from an unlikely source: a shove.
De’Aaron Fox was hit with a flagrant foul after shoving Josh Hart in the back following a made basket. The incident came as the Knicks were building momentum in their comeback, erasing what had been a strong start from the Spurs.
The play itself looked like a standard push — Hart had just scored, and Fox was trailing the play. But the force of the shove sent Hart stumbling forward, and the referees immediately reviewed it. The ruling: a flagrant 1 foul, which gave the Knicks two free throws and possession.
The moment that changed the game
Fox is not typically known for this kind of physical frustration. But the stakes in Game 5 — a swing game that could decide whether the Spurs keep their championship hopes alive or head home — appeared to get to the point guard. Fans online noted that Fox looked visibly frustrated as the Knicks’ run intensified.
The Spurs had come out hot, just as they had in earlier games of this series. But the Knicks have made a habit of weathering those early storms, finding their rhythm in the second quarter. This time, they used Fox’s foul as fuel.
According to multiple reports, the NBA league office will review the play for potential further discipline, though a suspension is unlikely given the nature of the push. The team has not confirmed whether Fox will face any internal repercussions.
What this means for the series
If there’s one thing this series has taught us, it’s that momentum can swing in seconds. The Spurs need Fox to stay composed if they want to close out a team that refuses to quit. The Knicks, meanwhile, have now turned Fox’s frustration into a rallying cry.
The flagrant foul may end up being just a footnote in a longer game, or it could be the spark that changes the complexion of the entire series. Either way, Game 5 just got a lot more interesting.
More on this story as it develops.
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