Kings star De’Aaron Fox says that despite his fractured left index finger, he plans to play in Game 5 against Golden State.
While he is officially listed as doubtful, Fox said on Tuesday: “There’s no if, ands or buts … I’m playing.”
He also said that if it was regular season, a fractured fingertip (especially on your shooting hand) would usually warrant a week or two on the sidelines but feels he can play through it considering the circumstances.
Footage of Fox obtained on Tuesday morning shows him practicing how to shoot while his finger is splinted.
De’Aaron Fox, in real time, figuring out how to shoot with the splint he’s now wearing on his injured left index finger…
(1 for 6 from three in this clip) pic.twitter.com/yyFUFVjTgB
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) April 25, 2023
The fracture he sustained is called an avulsion fracture, meaning that the muscle has pulled away and taken a small piece of bone with it.
Kobe Bryant suffered the same injury and played through it, as well as Roger Mason Jr..
Obviously, Fox’s accuracy on shooting and touch on the ball will most likely be impacted but hopefully he will still be able to get some shots in.
Fox has been outstanding on offense and is averaging 31.5 points, seven assists, and six rebounds a game in the playoffs so far.
The stakes will be high in Wednesday night’s Game 5, as the series is tied 2-2.
The Warriors got their first two wins back-to-back at home and now the Kings will need a win in Sacramento to take a series lead.
The game is expected to tip-off on Wednesday, April 26 at 7:00PM PST.