De’Aaron Fox has been a steady contributor throughout the San Antonio Spurs’ run to the Western Conference Finals. In 11 playoff games, he has averaged 18.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.1 steals while playing 33.3 minutes per game.
However, an ankle injury is affecting his availability in the Western Conference Finals series against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. Here’s the latest on the guard’s status for Game 1 against the Thunder.
De’Aaron Fox Lands on the Spurs’ Injury Report Ahead of Game 1 Against Oklahoma City
Entering Monday’s Western Conference Finals opener, Fox has been bothered by a sore right ankle that he sustained in Game 6 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Now, Fox has officially been ruled out for Game 1, which is bad news for San Antonio.
Fox apparently tweaked his ankle while jumping to tip a loose ball to a teammate in the second quarter. He was immediately hobbled and headed to the bench for treatment. Fox had a strong start in Game 6, scoring 13 points, grabbing 4 rebounds, dishing 2 assists, and recording 1 block before the injury.
However, he re-entered in the third quarter and hit a 3-pointer to help the Spurs pound the Timberwolves 139-109, clinching the series. Fox scored 21 points on 8-of-10 shooting, including 3-of-3 from beyond the arc. He also recorded 4 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 blocks in 24 minutes.
It is possible that Fox re-aggravated a similar injury he sustained in the third quarter of Game 4 of the West Semifinals against Minnesota. He finished the game, scoring a team-high 24 points in the Timberwolves’ win.
Fox was interviewed after the game and said he sustained an injury in his right ankle.
With Fox out, Dylan Harper could get a spot start and be paired with Stephon Castle in the backcourt.
Recently, Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson talked about Fox’s injury and it sounds like he doesn’t expect the guard to be out long.
“He’s one of the toughest guys in the league. He doesn’t miss any games. He’s one of the guys — he doesn’t talk about it much, he doesn’t show much (emotion),” Johnson said. “He made multiple plays all night long, whether they showed up in the box score or not, that just settled us and was a catalyst on both ends. He doesn’t get enough credit for that.”
Fortunately for the Spurs, Luke Kornet is available to play despite a sore left foot. In 11 postseason games, he has averaged 5.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game.
Thunder forward Jalen Williams is available for OKC after missing the entire second round against the Los Angeles Lakers due to a hamstring strain.
The first game of the best-of-seven series between the Spurs and the Thunder will tip off at 8:30 p.m. on Monday at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
