De'Aaron Fox Injury Update: NBA Clutch Player of the Year plans to return for Kings in Game 5 against Warriors
Sacramento Kings' All-Star point guard, De'Aaron Fox, is reportedly going to play through a hand injury tonight as they take on the Golden State Warriors. Tonight's match will be Game 5 of their first-round series matchup, with both teams having 2 games apiece.
According to early reports from Shams Charania of The Athletic, Fox sustained the injury back in Game 3. The 2023 NBA Clutch Player of the Year fractured his index finger in his left hand, which is his shooting hand. The 25-year old guard decided to play through the rest of Game 4 despite sustaining the injury.
This was Fox's first playoff appearance of his career. In four games against the Warriors, the young guard has led the Kings with an average of 31.5 points, six rebounds and seven assists. De'Aaron has even registered 2.5 steals throughout the entire playoffs against Golden State.
You might also be interested in reading this: What is an avulsion fracture? Extent of De'Aaron Fox's injury explored
Grading De'Aaron Fox's first four playoff games of his career
De'Aaron Fox has continued to surprise a ton of people with his lightning speed and intelligence to facilitate the Kings' offense. Throughout his first four games of the postseason, Fox has performed some of the best basketball of his career, making him a rising superstar in the league.
In Game 1 against the Warriors, the 6-foot-3 guard posted 38 points, five rebounds and three steals. His performances in his playoff debut helped the Kings to a win in Game 1 and earned momentum on their side. He also had four threes in that game, which is interesting as he's not entirely known for being an efficient shooter from long distance.
Game 2 was even more intense as Fox had 24 points and nine assists to help Domantas Sabonis lead the Kings to a win. Their victory over Golden State gave them the edge entering the other games of the series. They had a 2-0 advantage prior to Game 3 and 4.
Unfortunately, the Warriors performed well back on their homecourt and took advantage to play in front of their fans. Still, Fox was pivotal in Game 3, where he had 26 points, nine rebounds and nine assists.
In their most recent game, the speedy guard tried his best to capture a win on the road. Fox had 38 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Still, that wasn't enough for them to close one out and lose to the Warriors.
Grade: A+
Overall, his performances for the Kings have been incredibly important to their success. Without him, Sacramento wouldn't even be in the playoffs.
Also read: “I can’t watch a full college game” – De'Aaron Fox delivers brutal take on March Madness