What Sabonis texted Fox after hearing the finger injury news originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
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Programming notes: Kings fans can watch complete Game 5 coverage Wednesday on NBC Sports California, NBCSportsCalifornia.com and the NBC Sports app. “Kings Pregame Live” starts at 6:30 pm, followed by Mark Jones and Kayte Christensen on the game broadcast at 7, with “Kings Postgame Live” immediately after the game.
SACRAMENTO — Kings center Domantas Sabonis knows what it’s like to play through pain.
The three-time All-Star suffered an avulsion fracture in his right thumb back in December. Instead of opting for surgery and missing four to six weeks of action, Sabonis has played all but two games with a bandage wrapped around his right hand.
So, when it was announced Monday that Sacramento guard De’Aaron Fox sustained a similar fracture to the index finger on his left shooting hand, Sabonis had a feeling that his All-Star teammate would come through.
“I just knew he was going to play,” Sabonis said after the Kings shoot-around on Wednesday. “I texted him, ‘You’re playing. And we’re getting this game.’ “
The contest Sabonis is referring to is Wednesday night’s pivotal Game 5 of the Kings’ first-round NBA playoff series against the Golden State Warriors. The series heads back to Golden 1 Center in Sacramento after the Warriors took the last two tilts at Chase Center to even the series at two games apiece.
Fox’s fractured finger is the biggest storyline heading into the game. The sixth-year guard has arguably been the best player in the series, averaging 31.5 points, 7.0 assists and 6.0 rebounds in 38.5 minutes per game.
Fox, officially listed as doubtful, told reporters Tuesday that he expects to play in Game 5. He looked comfortable taking shots at practice Tuesday and at shoot-around Wednesday morning.
Of course, the ultimate test will be after tipoff Wednesday night when Fox tries to play with the fractured finger at game speed.
“I’m very optimistic about tomorrow,” Fox said after practice Tuesday. “As long as the pad on my finger is fine, then I feel like I’m good to go.”