Charles Barkley urges Mitch Johnson to bench De’Aaron Fox in Game 5 vs. Knicks

The San Antonio Spurs built a new double-digit lead against the New York Knicks Saturday. This time they took a 42-37 lead in the NBA Finals behind Victor Wembanyama delivering an epic block party. But De’Aaron Fox became the most criticized Spurs player in the eyes of Charles Barkley.

The NBA legend and ESPN analyst sent this suggestion to head coach Mitch Johnson: Bench Fox to start the second half.

“I hate to say this, you have to go with (Stephon) Castle and (Dylan) Harper. You have to take De’Aaron Fox out of the game,” Barkley said.

“You have to take De’Aaron Fox out of the game”

– Charles Barkley
pic.twitter.com/q1LvcRQSMP

— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) June 14, 2026

Fox played 20 early minutes on the Frost Bank Center floor. But he scored only five first half points and looked like a non-factor on offense. He managed to play the role of facilitator by dishing out three assists. Fox also grabbed two steals on the defensive side. But he struggled generating consistent shots in going 2-of-9 early from field goal range, including hitting just one 3-pointer out of six attempts.

Barkley isn’t the only one calling for Johnson to take Fox out. ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel endorsed the rookie Harper earning more time on the floor.

“Keeping Dylan Harper out of this game is simply coaching malpractice. He needs to be playing every minute he is able to in the second half, and there is no reason he shouldn’t start the second half. Fox needs to be benched,” Siegel posted on the social media website X, formerly Twitter.

Harper scored 13 early points before the seven minute mark of the third quarter.

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