De'Aaron Fox Out for Spurs-Thunder Game 1 With Ankle Sprain

Spurs starting guard De'Aaron Fox was ruled out for Game 1 of the Western Conference finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night because of a right ankle sprain, dealing a blow to San Antonio in the much-anticipated series before it even started.

Fox suffered the ankle injury in Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Timberwolves , when Minnesota guard Ayo Dosunmu landed on the ankle while diving for a loose ball.

Fox was able to finish Game 4 and play in Games 5 and 6 as the Spurs closed out the series.

"It's one of those deals where it's not going away for as long as we're playing, I don't believe," Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said.

Fox spoke at the Spurs' morning shootaround session Monday -- "trying to test it out," he said -- and was on the court again in Oklahoma City about 90 minutes before tipoff of Game 1. That second workout obviously didn't go as hoped, and the decision was made that he wouldn't play.

A nine-year veteran, Fox ranks third for San Antonio in postseason scoring behind Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle , averaging 18.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists after averaging 18.6 points, 3.8 rebounds and 6.2 assists during the regular season.

Fox hadn't missed a game since March 25 and started 72 games during the regular season. The Spurs entered Monday with a 7-3 record without Fox this season.

Spurs center Luke Kornet , who had been listed as questionable with a left foot injury, is available.

The Thunder got Jalen Williams back in their lineup after he missed six games with a left hamstring strain.

ESPN's Michael C. Wright and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

_Originally reported by [ESPN](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48810421/spurs-fox-ankle-game-1-west-finals-vs-thunder)._