De’Aaron Fox’s return to Sacramento was anything but triumphant. In his first game against the Sacramento Kings since being traded to the San Antonio Spurs, Fox and his new team were handed a decisive 127-109 loss. The Spurs, who have struggled to find their footing this season, were unable to contain the Kings’ offense, and Fox himself had a quiet night by his standards. He finished with 16 points on 6-of-17 shooting, adding eight assists, four rebounds, and two turnovers. It wasn’t the performance he would have hoped for in his homecoming, especially considering the circumstances that led to his departure.
The Spurs got off to a solid start, leading by six points after the first quarter, but the Kings flipped the script in the second quarter, embarking on a run that gave them a 14-point lead by halftime. From there, Sacramento maintained control, keeping the lead in double digits for the entire second half. The Kings’ offense was led by Zach LaVine, who scored 36 points on 14-of-22 shooting. LaVine, one of the key players Sacramento acquired in the trade that sent Fox to San Antonio, delivered a reminder of why he was a coveted asset in the deal. His performance underscored the depth and talent the Kings have assembled, even as they navigate the absence of injured star Domantas Sabonis.
The game also highlighted the Spurs’ current challenges, particularly with Victor Wembanyama sidelined due to a shoulder injury. Wembanyama, the highly touted rookie who was a major factor in Fox’s desire to join the Spurs, was not in action but still made his presence felt by attending the game to support his new teammate. His absence, however, has cast a shadow over San Antonio’s season, leaving the team struggling to find its identity and competitive edge. The Spurs’ record now stands at 26-35, placing them near the bottom of the Western Conference and diminishing their playoff hopes. With Wembanyama out and the team’s performance inconsistent, the Spurs are now focusing on the future, holding just a 4.5% chance of landing the top pick in the upcoming draft, according to Tankathon.
For Fox, the night was a mix of emotions. Before the game, the Kings paid tribute to his eight-year tenure with the team through a heartfelt video, and the crowd at the Golden 1 Center responded with a standing ovation. The gesture was a nod to the memories Fox created in Sacramento, including leading the team to the playoffs in 2023. However, the good vibes weren’t universal, as a few boos could be heard among the applause. The mixed reaction reflected the complexity of Fox’s departure. While he was a fan favorite and a key figure during his time with the Kings, his trade request and the subsequent fallout left some fans feeling disappointed. Courtside, Kings owner Vivek Ranadivé and former general manager Vlade Divac, who drafted Fox, were in attendance, adding to the emotional weight of the moment.
The trade that sent Fox to the Spurs was part of a larger restructuring for both teams. The Kings, who received LaVine and a haul of draft picks in return, are now positioning themselves for a playoff push. At 33-29, they are tied with the Los Angeles Clippers for eighth place in the West, keeping them in the hunt for a postseason berth. LaVine’s performance against the Spurs was a testament to the potential of Sacramento’s roster, even without Sabonis. Meanwhile, the Spurs are focused on rebuilding, with Wembanyama seen as the cornerstone of their future. Fox’s move to San Antonio was driven by a desire to play alongside the young phenom and compete for a championship, but the team’s current struggles have tempered expectations.
As the season progresses, both teams will be closely watched. The Kings are trying to build on the momentum they’ve created, while the Spurs are looking to weather the storm and set themselves up for long-term success. For Fox, the journey is just beginning in San Antonio, and Friday’s loss was a reminder of the challenges ahead. Despite the difficulties, the love and respect he earned in Sacramento remain a testament to his enduring legacy with the Kings. The game may not have gone as planned, but it marked an important chapter in Fox’s career, one that will continue to unfold in the months and years to come.
