DeAaron
Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry drives to the basket as Sacramento Kings’ De’Aaron Fox hinders his progress in 2nd quarter during Game 4 of NBA Western Conference 1st Round Playoffs at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, April 23, 2023.Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle

De’Aaron Fox has been the star for the Sacramento Kings against the Golden State Warriors in the playoff series. He was incredible on Sunday night as well. However, the defending champions managed to level the series 2-2. Fox scored a match-high 38 points but could not help the Kings increase the lead against the Warriors. It was an epic duel between Steph Curry and De’Aaron Fox. But Curry emerged victorious on Sunday. The Warriors had a terrible start to the playoffs losing the first two games against the Kings.

Things were getting more and more difficult. It could have got tougher if the Kings had gained a 3-1 lead. But a close finish to the game enabled the Warriors to win by one point in the end. This season the Kings ended their playoff draught after more than 15 years. A lot of credit goes to the King’s point guard, De’Aaron Fox. He has been the star for the Kings throughout the season. The Kings ended the regular season as the third seed—all thanks to Fox. Hence, it was important for Fox to stay fit to see things through for the Kings.

   

Fox Might Not Play The Rest Of The Series Against The Warriors

Fox Kings
De’Aaron Fox Kings

However, in Game 4 against the Warriors, Fox hurt his finger. It turns out that Fox has got a fractured left index finger. But the Kings need him to play the rest of the games in the playoffs. However, if the King’s point guard’s finger does not get fixed before the next game, then Fox will have to wear a protective covering on the tip of his left index finger. The seven-game series has taken a pretty tricky turn after the Warriors evened it out.

The Warriors are the reigning champions and have won four titles in the last eight years. They know how to turn things around in the playoffs. Furthermore, the defending champions have got a magician or a wizard among them, star Steph Curry. Steph is an expert three-pointer shooter. He can turn things around at any phase of the game with his shooting capabilities. The Kings will need their star point guard to be there in their lineup to counter the expert three-pointer shooter’s heroics.

Star Point Guard’s Absence Might Prove Fatal For The Kings

Fox Kings
Fox Kings

Fox is an All-Star point guard, and the Kings will need him to be at his best for the remaining playoff games. However, it is not the first time this season that an All-Star player from the Kings has suffered a finger injury. Sacramento Kings All-Star center Domantas Sabonis suffered a similar fracture on his right thumb in last December.

Since then, Sabonis has played wearing a bandage covering his right thumb. Perhaps De’Aaron will have to do the same. In the playoff series against the Warriors, Fox has been in top form averaging 31.5 points, seven assists, six rebounds, and 2.5 steals. These stats prove that he has not only been the best player of the Kings but also one of the best in the current season. If he is unavailable in the rest of the series against the Warriors, it might be fatal for Sacramento Kings.