Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson spoke with reporters Tuesday about Fox’s recovery. “He’ll do everything he can, which is mostly rest and then get treatment to prepare for the next game, and tomorrow pregame we’ll find out if he can,” Johnson said. He added that he has “no idea” if Fox will play and trusts Fox to communicate what’s best regarding his availability.
Fox has been managing this ankle injury since late in San Antonio’s second-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. While he was able to participate in Games 5 and 6, Monday night proved too much without additional rest.
In Fox’s absence, rookie guard Dylan Harper stepped up in a starting role, delivering a spectacular performance with 24 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, and a game-high 7 steals while committing only one turnover. Harper repeatedly attacked Oklahoma City’s interior and provided a versatile presence on both ends of the court.
While the Spurs would prefer to have both Fox and Harper available, Monday’s double-overtime victory demonstrated that the team can compete at a high level even without their All-Star guard.
