De'Aaron Fox enjoys historic Spurs debut in win over Hawks - ESPN

ATLANTA — Early returns indicate accuracy in De'Aaron Fox's description of the San Antonio Spurs as a «spectacular» fit for his skillset.

Fox showcased as much in leading his new team to a 126-125 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday by striking early and often to finish with 24 points, 5 rebounds, 13 assists and 3 steals. The performance marked the first time in franchise history that a player making his Spurs debut tallied at least 20 points and 10 assists.

Fox scored or assisted on 56 points.

«Selfishly as a coach, I think that's probably about as complete of a game you'd hope for the first game,» San Antonio acting coach Mitch Johnson said. «You saw the potential. It's tantalizing. He's dynamic. He's going to unlock a whole different element for our team.»

Fox provided the evidence on the decisive play of the game with 2.9 seconds remaining and the score tied at 125. Chris Paul hit Fox on an inbounds pass and the Spurs executed a high pick-and-roll. As Victor Wembanyama rolled to the basket, De'Andre Hunter came off the French phenom to double-team Fox along with Dyson Daniels.

Recognizing the extra attention, Fox floated a pass to Wembanyama as he slipped to the basket.

«I've told those guys, regardless of how well I'm playing in a game, I draw attention,» Fox said. «And that's what happened. They put two on me. Whether it's a miscommunication or that's what they wanted to do, he rolled and tried to finish strong.»

Wembanyama attempted a two-handed dunk over Onyeka Okongwu, who fouled the 21-year-old and sent him to the line for two shots. Wembanyama knocked down the first free throw and purposely missed the second in securing San Antonio's first victory since Jan. 31.

«Great play drawn by Mitch,» Wembanyama