Spurs face mounting injury concerns ahead of Game 3 against Thunder
San Antonio prepares for Friday’s home contest with key backcourt players sidelined following a 122-113 road defeat to Oklahoma City.
The San Antonio Spurs enter Game 3 of the Western Conference finals with significant uncertainty surrounding their backcourt, following a 122-113 road loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night. The defeat levelled the series at 1-1, setting up a pivotal home contest on Friday evening in San Antonio.
All-Star guard De'Aaron Fox remains questionable for the upcoming match due to a right high ankle sprain. Fox has missed the last two games, having re-aggravated an injury sustained during Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Coach Mitch Johnson noted that Fox is attempting to play through a condition that would typically sideline him during the regular season.
Compounding the Spurs' roster challenges, starting replacement Dylan Harper suffered a leg injury in the third quarter of Game 2 and did not return. Harper, who recorded 12 points and 25 minutes of play, is currently without a medical update from the coaching staff. His absence leaves the starting lineup in flux as the team seeks to stabilise its rotation ahead of the home game.
Despite the injury setbacks, the Spurs have not offered excuses for their performance. Coach Johnson emphasised the need for the team to trust its depth and execute under heightened physical and mental pressure. He described the current phase of the playoffs as a test of resilience, requiring players to answer when called upon to maintain competitiveness.
Stephon Castle led San Antonio with 25 points in the loss, highlighting the team's reliance on remaining healthy contributors. Castle acknowledged the difficulty of watching teammates exit games mid-match but stated that such events serve to motivate the five players on the court. The Spurs aim to erase the memory of the road defeat when they return to their home floor.
The Thunder also faced their own injury concerns, with guard Jalen Williams exiting Game 2 in the first quarter due to left hamstring tightness. However, Oklahoma City managed to secure the victory, evening the series and shifting the momentum to San Antonio for the next contest. Game 3 is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Friday.
