Guys, He was tryiing to change the energy of the game.
He is a vet of many seasons and they want to win.
Not sure about the timing, but SAS did come back from a lead, actually took a lead. Maybe it worked but who won the game? Who did not take the bait? The team with the mental fortitude, poise, and presence to not throw the ball away at critical moments. KNicks are not perfect but they played with enough to push past bad reffing, clown music, and good play.
SAS will scratch, claw and try to intimidate, get in knicks heads, and off their rhythm.
Remember when Spurs hip checcked Steve nash into the scorers table? It worked. Expect more attempts of intimidation.
Knicks are trying to do the same with SAS and their youth. Get them emotional which expends energy and causes distraction. The game within the game. Thunder got Castle a bit out of sorts at times. They still have much to learn.
Fox is not a punk. He is doing his job. Jalen did his. Lead by example. Not saying take **** without pushing back but do it without impunity and optics that ref will punish or motivate the opponent further.
There are battles and then there is the war. Win the war. Jalen knows what Fox is doing. He is also demonstratoing discipline. He did not stare back to prove his might, he became stoic to show he was still in charge.
Clyde did not stay cool to sell sneakers, He did it to save his energy and stay in the moment. He tells you this in his book and over the years breen asks him about it.
If you think he is a punk, then you drop down to that level to defend ones self esteem. At that moment you showed a weakness. You win the battle by staying in control. We are not dogs marking territory. You win by owning the whole thing, not the bush that was pissed on.
6/7/2026 9:10 AM