De’Aaron Fox provides update on ankle sprain: ‘I feel like I’m close’
Nov 2, 2023, 3:24 PM | Updated: 3:27 pm
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 01: Injured player De'Aaron Fox #5 of the Sacramento Kings talks to assistant coach Doug Christie during the game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on November 01, 2023 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
Since suffering a moderate right ankle sprain in the closing moments against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night, Sacramento Kings star guard De’Aaron Fox has missed one game while recovering.
After the team’s practice Thursday morning, Fox provided insight into the moment of injury, his progress since then, and optimism regarding his return to the court.
Halfway through the fourth quarter of game three, Fox drove through the lane and jumped off his right foot. Unfortunately, he stepped on Gabe Vincent’s foot, rolling his ankle, and took off from that point.
“I twisted my ankle and then jumped off of it, so I feel like that’s where it hurt more,” he said. “I never felt like I was going to miss two or three weeks or anything like that, but I knew it would take a few days or a week or so.”
Sacramento’s next matchup comes Saturday on the road versus the Houston Rockets, Fox’s hometown team. That will mark six days since the injury occurred, but it will depend on his pain level leading up to then.
He did not appear to participate in today’s practice but did some light, individual shooting after group work concluded. When walking from the court toward reporters, the 6’3 guard had a slight limp and claimed his pain level is currently “like a four” out of ten.
De’Aaron Fox is on the floor getting shots up following today’s practice.
It didn’t look like Fox participated in today’s session, but he’s running through some on-court work now. pic.twitter.com/ADUSJGa2rX
— Frankie Cartoscelli (@FCartoscelli3) November 2, 2023
“It’s more like the impact of hitting the ground and pushing back is what hurts, but I feel like I’m almost there,” Fox said. “I feel like I’m close.” His competitive spirit is unquestioned. If he could’ve, Fox would have played in Golden State, yet patience is required while recovering.
Last year, Domantas Sabonis fractured his thumb in late December and only missed one game before returning despite pain that lingered throughout the entire season. That level of desire and fight can be infectious.
“We want to give what we have for this team, for this organization, to try to win as many games as possible,” De’Aaron Fox said. “So, for me, if I feel like I can get out there and play, even if it’s hurting a little bit, then that’s what I do.”
“I feel like, as a team, that’s what we’ve done all last year and at the beginning of this year. Obviously, people say it’s grit, gutsy, or toughness, whatever it may be. But, as a basketball player, you want to play if you’re able to play.”
Fox was electric to start the season. He’s embraced the defensive physicality their coaching staff has been tirelessly preaching and appeared more confident beyond the arc. Through three games, he’s averaging 31.3 points, 6.0 assists, and 4.3 rebounds on 48.6 percent from the field, including (and maybe most importantly) 37.5 percent on 8.0 (!!) three-point attempts per game.
It’s no secret that the Kings are better with De’Aaron Fox on the floor, and it doesn’t sound like it will be long before he’s back out there getting buckets in royal purple.
When is the next Sacramento Kings Game?
Sacramento will conclude a three-game road trip with a two-game set against the Houston Rockets that will tip-off on Saturday night.
Following Saturday’s matchup, both teams will take a day off before running things back on Monday afternoon once again at Toyota Center.
Be sure to tune in right here on Sactown Sports 1140 for all of your Kings vs. Rockets coverage, beginning at 3:30 PM PST on Game Night before a 5:00 PM PST tip-off from downtown Houston.
Upcoming Sacramento Kings Schedule
- Saturday, November 4th – Sacramento Kings @ Houston Rockets – 5 PM PST
- Monday, November 6th – Sacramento Kings @ Houston Rockets – 5 PM PST
- Wednesday, November 8th – Sacramento Kings vs. Portland Trail Blazers – 7 PM PST
- Friday, November 10th – Sacramento Kings vs. Oklahoma City Thunder** – 7 PM PST
- Monday, November 13th – Sacramento Kings vs. Cleveland Cavaliers – 7:00 PM PST
** NBA In-Season Tournament Group Play
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