The Golden State Warriors still need to win one of two games in Sacramento to finish off the Kings and advance to the Western Conference Semifinals, but their hopes of advancing just got a major boost after it was revealed to Shams Charania of The Athletic that Kings point guard De’Aaron Fox fractured his index finger on his shooting hand (opens in new tab).
Fox reportedly suffered the injury midway through the fourth quarter (opens in new tab) of Sunday’s 126-125 Game 4 loss at Chase Center and played through it. He scored a game-high 38 points, but the Warriors evened the series at two games apiece after Harrison Barnes’ game-winning 3-point attempt missed.
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According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (opens in new tab), Fox fractured the tip of the index finger on his left hand. The left-handed shooter would need to play with a protective covering on his finger. He will be listed as doubtful for Game 5 on Wednesday.
Fox was speculated to have suffered the injury with 4:35 remaining in Game 4.
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This appears to be the play that De’Aaron Fox fractured his left index finger in the middle of the fourth quarter yesterday. On a floater after the whistle. Looks like it clips Kevon Looney’s hand. First time you see him clutch at it. pic.twitter.com/0Ip5YWbw8g (opens in new tab)
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) April 24, 2023 (opens in new tab)
The Kings posted a 4-5 record without Fox during the 2022-23 regular season, including a 2-1 mark at home. Davion Mitchell, a member of Baylor’s 2021 NCAA championship team, is likely to slot into the starting lineup if Fox is unable to go on Wednesday night.