Spurs Expect Guards De’Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper to Play in Game 4
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SAN ANTONIO — Head coach Mitch Johnson said Friday he anticipates both De’Aaron Fox and rookie Dylan Harper will be available Sunday when the San Antonio Spurs host the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals at Frost Bank Center.
Fox is dealing with a right high-ankle sprain, while Harper has a right adductor strain. Each guard was a game-time decision before Thursday’s Game 3 loss but ultimately played, with Fox briefly exiting in the second half after aggravating his ankle before reentering.
“They came out of the game and finished on their own accord,” Johnson told reporters. “I took them out, so that’s a plus. As of now, we expect them ready to go.”
Fox sparked San Antonio’s 15-0 opening run in Game 3, scoring four of his nine first-quarter points, grabbing a rebound and recording a steal in the first 2:37. The Spurs became only the second team since the 1997-98 season to begin a postseason game with at least a 15-0 surge and still lose.
The 28-year-old guard closed the night with 15 points, seven rebounds, six assists and a steal. “I feel alright, good enough to play,” Fox said afterward. “That’s all that matters.”
Harper initially suffered his groin injury in the third quarter of Game 2 but logged 17 minutes Thursday.
Second-year guard Stephon Castle, who has managed most of the ballhandling duties throughout the series, welcomed the additional backcourt help. Castle has committed 21 turnovers in the series, including 20 in the first two games. With Fox sidelined for Games 1 and 2, San Antonio averaged 22 turnovers, leading to 27.5 Oklahoma City points per contest. The Spurs had 15 turnovers for 20 Thunder points in Game 3.
“It helps with everything we do on defense and when we initiate the offense,” Castle said. “Being able to lean on each other throughout the game definitely helps.”
Victor Wembanyama added, “It pains me to see them in pain. I trust they’re going to be healthy soon. As always, we’ll have their backs.”
Game 4 tips off Sunday in San Antonio, with the Spurs trailing the best-of-seven series 2-1.
Source: ESPN
