De’Aaron Fox Fractures Index Finger in Game 4, Doubtful for Game 5 vs. Warriors

• De’Aaron Fox fractured the index finger on his shooting hand late in Game 4
• He has been listed as doubtful for Game 5 against the Golden State Warriors
• Fox leads the Sacramento Kings in scoring, assists, and steals in this series

The Sacramento Kings got the worst possible news, with their playoff lives hanging in the balance.

De’Aaron Fox fractured the index finger on his shooting hand late in Game 4 and is officially doubtful for the pivotal Game 5 against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night.

The Warriors tied the series at 2-2 after winning both of their home games in San Francisco.

The injury occurred in the middle of the fourth quarter when Fox attempted a floater after hearing the whistle.

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Kevon Looney tried to block the shot and clipped Fox’s hand. The Kings star can be seen clutching at his finger following the impact.

Fox played through the injury and made vital contributions late in the contest. He drained a 3-pointer with 27.7 seconds left that cut the Warriors’ lead to one.

The Kings nearly stole the win, but Harrison Barnes missed his game-winning 3-point attempt at the buzzer.

Fox out for Game 5? 

According to Adrian Wojnarowski, the fracture is near the tip of Fox’s index finger. The question now is: can Fox play and be effective with that fractured finger on his shooting hand?

Losing him for the all-important Game 5 would be a huge blow for the Kings. He has been spectacular in the series against the Warriors, averaging 31.5 points, 7.0 assists, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.5 steals a game.

Fox was on fire in Game 4, scoring 38 points in the 126-125 loss. The newly-minted Clutch Player of the Year carried the Kings on his back in the fourth quarter of that contest, scoring 12 points during that period. 

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With the star possibly sidelined for Game 5 and beyond, the onus is on Domantas Sabonis to carry the scoring load for Sacramento. He has struggled to put up his usual numbers, averaging 16.3 points a game in this series.

Warriors survive Kings' late rally

Sports Brief recently reported on the Warriors' win over the Kings in Game 4.

Steph Curry nearly cost Golden State the game after calling an illegal timeout in the final minute.

The Kings went on a 4-0 run after that and nearly stole the win on the road.