Erik Spoelstra praises De'Aaron Fox ahead of matchup vs. Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs and Miami Heat are underway Monday in a highly contested matchup.

The Spurs enter Monday's game in search of their sixth consecutive victory as they hope to keep pace for the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

As for the Heat, they are looking to snap a recent four-game losing streak that has seen them drop to ninth in the Eastern Conference standings.

Ahead of the matchup, Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra praised San Antonio, more specifically All-Star guard De'Aaron Fox.

“People say, ‘Oh, you do whatever it takes to win.' But I don’t know a lot of players who want to sign up and have their scoring average drop by seven and be great with it.”

Since joining San Antonio, Fox's scoring numbers have declined, but as Spoelstra mentions, he's really embraced an attitude and willingness to win.

After averaging over 20 points for six and a half seasons with the Kings, Fox has taken less shots with San Antonio, averaging 19 points per game as a result.

This year, Fox is averaging 14.7 field goal attempts per game, his lowest mark since his sophomore season with Sacramento (2018-19).

However, San Antonio's approach with Fox and Victor Wembanyama is clearly working, as the team currently owns the second-best record in the NBA (53-18).

Following Monday's game, the Spurs will travel to Memphis for a matchup Wednesday against the Grizzlies.

Miami will also play on the road, facing the Cavaliers Wednesday.

More NBA news:

• Suns receive encouraging Dillon Brooks and Mark Williams injury updates
• Chet Holmgren speaks on the possibility of representing Team USA in 2028
• Spurs injury updates: Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle and more
• Thunder receiver encouraging Jalen Williams injury news
• NBA lifts suspension from Luka Doncic after 16th technical foul vs. Magic
• Brandon Miller highlights Dell Curry's impact after jersey retirement ceremony