Spurs miss Fox for Western Conference Finals opener against Thunder
San Antonio’s backcourt depth will be tested as De'Aaron Fox is ruled out with ankle soreness, while Luke Kornet returns to the lineup.
The San Antonio Spurs have confirmed that guard De'Aaron Fox will miss Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder due to right ankle soreness. The injury, sustained during Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves, forces a significant adjustment to the Spurs' starting rotation as the series begins on Monday.
Fox, who averaged 18.8 points and 5.8 assists across 11 playoff games, was listed as questionable prior to the opener but has been ruled out. His absence places increased playmaking and minute burdens on backcourt teammates Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper. Wing Devin Vassell is also expected to see a bump in on-ball opportunities to compensate for the loss of Fox’s ball-handling capabilities.
The Spurs had demonstrated more success than most teams attacking Oklahoma City off the dribble during the regular season, a dynamic that will be impacted by Fox’s absence. While the team retains players capable of creating their own shots, the structural shift requires Castle and Harper to shoulder more responsibility for generating offence in the opening game.
In a positive development for the frontcourt, centre Luke Kornet, who had been listed as questionable with left foot soreness, has been upgraded to available for Game 1. This return provides the Spurs with additional interior options as they face a Thunder side that enters the series as heavy favourites, listed at -260 on FanDuel.
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson acknowledged that the team’s position in the Western Conference Finals exceeds preseason expectations. Johnson noted that the organisation focused on potential rather than specific outcomes, stating that their current standing is not necessarily aligned with the projections made in October.
