The Sacramento Kings beat all odds and finished the regular season with the 3rd best record in the Western Conference. Behind the leadership of the All-Star duo of De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, Mike Brown’s boys put the league on alert after grabbing an early 2-0 series lead against Stephen Curry’s Golden State Warriors.
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Even though the Kings lost both games at the Chase Center, they were still the favorites to emerge as the victorious team. However, the breaking news of Fox’s injury changes everything.
According to several reports that were confirmed by the franchise, the NBA’s 2023 Clutch Player of the Year sustained a fractured finger.
“Just don’t know how the Kings will win”: Skip Bayless
As per several analysts, Fox seemed to have suffered the injury after the whistle rang late in the 4th quarter of Game 4.
This appears to be the play that De’Aaron Fox fractured his left index finger in the middle of the fourth quarter yesterday. On a floater after the whistle. Looks like it clips Kevon Looney’s hand. First time you see him clutch at it. pic.twitter.com/0Ip5YWbw8g
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) April 24, 2023
With the former Kentucky Wildcat being listed as doubtful, the San Francisco-based franchise has a golden opportunity to finally win a game on the road.
For SacTown, things might be difficult considering their best player won’t be 100% fit.
According to Skip Bayless, unless the fast-paced is not at least 95% fit, the Kings will not be winning Game 5.
On the latest episode of “UNDISPUTED”, the 71-year-old analyst initially spoke about De’Aaron’s sensational campaign. Further, he even stated how the “injury gods” weren’t favoring Fox:
“I picked the Kings to win in 6. I root for the Kings because I’ve come to like, if not love them. But apparently the injury gods do not. De’Aaron Fox is on the cusp of superstardom. He’s emerging as a postseason force. He led the whole league in clutch points and here he is, on the verge and that happens. In the middle of the 4th quarter of Game 4 in Golden State. A winnable game for Sacramento.”
Finally, Bayless gave his predictions for Game 5:
“If he is not at least 95%, I just don’t know how you win.”
.@RealSkipBayless has lost faith in the Kings to beat the Warriors in the first round:
“If De’Aaron Fox isn’t at least 95%, I just don’t know how you win. The Kings go as far as he goes.” pic.twitter.com/9L5X0RF3VR
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) April 26, 2023
“There’s no if, ands or buts … I’m playing”: De’Aaron Fox
Even though De’Aaron was seen wearing a splint during the practice ahead of Game 5, the southpaw made it pretty clear that he would want to take on the floor.
De’Aaron Fox (fractured left index finger) says he plans to play in Game 5 vs. Warriors
“There’s no if, ands or buts … I’m playing.” 👀 pic.twitter.com/qYK483iBWa
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 25, 2023
While Kings fans would be elated hearing Fox’s comments, the front office might not allow their star guard to suit up unless he’s declared fit by the doctors.
Needless to say, Fox has been spectacular in his first-ever postseason appearance. So far, the 25-year-old has put up 31.5 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds per game.
