Kings point guard DeAaron Fox reportedly fractured his index finger on his shooting hand during the Warriors’ Game 4 win over Sacramento, potentially jeopardizing his availability going forward.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and The Athletic’s Shams Charania each broke the news.
It’s unclear exactly when and how Fox injured his finger, but one play late in the fourth quarter shows him clutching at his hand and trying to shake it off.
Fox, 25, won the inaugural Jerry West Trophy given to the league’s most clutch player of the regular season. He’s carried that momentum into a heated Kings-Warriors first round playoff matchup, averaging 31.5 points, seven assists and sex rebounds per game.
If Fox can’t go on Tuesday, the Kings would be at a severe disadvantage during a pivotal moment in the series. Since the Warriors defended their home court, despite missing Draymond Green for Game 3, the series is heading back to the Golden 1 Center tied 2-2.
The Warriors have struggled away from home all season, and stealing a win from the Kings without their All-Star point guard might be their best way to win the series.
Behind Fox on Sacramento’s depth chart is defensive specialist Davion Mitchell and sixth man of the year candidate Malik Monk. Both guards are already in Sacramento’s rotation and would likely see significant minutes boosts if Fox is sidelined.