All-Star San Antonio Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox was a late scratch Monday night, forcing a last-minute lineup change for Game 1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
A day later, Fox’s status for Wednesday’s Game 2 is unclear. Head coach Mitch Johnson spoke with reporters about Fox’s injured right ankle during the off day Tuesday.
Advertisement
“He’ll do everything he can, which is mostly rest and then get treatment to prepare for the next game, and tomorrow pregame we’ll find out if he can,” Johnson said, per the San Antonio Express-News.
He added that he has “no idea” if Fox will play and said that he trusts Fox to let the Spurs know what’s best regarding his availability.
“I trust him more than any medical [staffer] or anything else, so he’ll tell us,” Johnson continued.
Play 2026 Soccer Pick ‘Em with FOX One and make your picks for the world’s biggest soccer tournament
Fox has been dealing with his ankle injury since late in San Antonio’s second-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He was able to play in Games 5 and 6 with the injury, but couldn’t go Monday night. Johnson said before the game that his injury is one that won’t improve without rest.
Advertisement
Dylan Harper steps up in Fox’s absence
The good news for the Spurs is that they won Game 1 on the road and have stolen home-court-advantage from the reigning champion Thunder regardless of the outcome of Game 2.
And outside of Victor Wembanyama’s otherworldly Game 1 performance, the Spurs have the effort of rookie guard Dylan Harper to thank in significant part for fueling Monday’s thrilling double-overtime win.
Harper got the start in place of Fox. He responded with 24 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists and a game-high 7 steals while committing just 1 turnover. He repeatedly attacked the interior of Oklahoma City’s defense to finish contested buckets near the rim.
Harper doesn’t offer the speed that Fox brings to the Spurs in transition. But his 6-foot-6 frame combined with his strength, athleticism and versatile skill set on both sides of the floor make him a formidable addition to an already imposing Spurs lineup.
Advertisement
The Spurs would obviously prefer to have the services of both Fox and Harper available. But if Fox can’t go for Game 2, they’ve already demonstrated they’re ready to compete without him.
Read the full article here