Spurs face uncertainty over Fox’s fitness ahead of NBA Finals opener
The San Antonio Spurs’ path to a sixth championship title hinges on the availability of De’Aaron Fox, who is recovering from a high ankle sprain sustained during the Western Conference Semifinals.
San Antonio Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson provided a cautious update on the physical condition of star guard De’Aaron Fox ahead of Game 1 of the NBA Finals. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Johnson indicated that the two-time All-Star is progressing with his recovery from a right high ankle sprain, though he stopped short of confirming the player’s availability for the series opener.
Johnson stated that while he was not certain Fox would be 100 per cent fit, the injury situation appeared to be moving in a positive direction. “Not sure, to answer the question, 100 per cent, but it feels like [Fox’s injury situation] is moving in a better direction,” Johnson said. He expressed hope that rest would allow the guard to improve by the time the team takes the court, noting, “I hope he’s better tomorrow than he is today.”
The injury concerns stem from a sprain Fox suffered during Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The guard missed the first two games of the subsequent Western Conference Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder before returning to the lineup. In five games against the Thunder, Fox averaged 11.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 1.6 steals, shooting 36.5 per cent from the field and 22.7 per cent from three-point range.
Despite his contributions, the statistical output suggests Fox is not operating at his peak efficiency. The 28-year-old, who was drafted by the Sacramento Kings in 2017 and traded to the Spurs last season, is set to appear in his first NBA Finals of his career. The Spurs are currently competing for their sixth championship in franchise history, a goal that may require Fox to return to the high-impact form that defined his earlier years in the league.
Game 1 of the NBA Finals is scheduled to take place in San Antonio on Wednesday, June 3, at 8:30 p.m. ET. The team’s performance will likely depend on whether Fox can overcome the lingering effects of his ankle injury to support the squad’s title aspirations.
