Kings star point guard De’Aaron Fox suffered a fractured finger in the Game 4 loss against the Warriors on Sunday, putting his status for Game 5 in jeopardy.
However, ahead of Wednesday’s Game 5, Fox revealed that intends to suit up and play through the pain.
“Most likely,” Fox responded when asked if was planning to play in Game 5 after practice on Tuesday. “For me right now, it’s just the [pain] tolerance on the pad of finger and making sure I can shoot the ball.”
Later in the media session, Fox sounded even more confident about his status.
“I’m like 99 to 100% playing... No ifs, ands or buts,” he said, per Fox40’s Sean Cunningham.
Fox thinks he will play. pic.twitter.com/saBhJk9QAA
— James Ham (@James_HamNBA) April 25, 2023
On Monday, reports indicated that Fox was expected to be listed doubtful for Wednesday’s contest. It seems things have changed since then, however, as Sacramento’s point guard indicated he’d be up for the challenge in Game 5.
The injury occurred to Fox’s left index finger on his shooting hand during Game 4, but he remained in the game. He scored 38 points for the Kings in the 126–125 loss to Golden State on Sunday, shooting 14-for-31 from the field and adding five assists and nine rebounds.
Fox has led Sacramento in scoring in each of the first four games of the series, dropping no fewer than 24 points in a single game in the first-round matchup against the Warriors.
Not having Fox available would be a significant blow for the Kings, but the latest update indicates he’s going to attempt to suit up and take the court with his teammates when the squad returns to Sacramento for Game 5.
