Kings’ De’Aaron Fox Says He Has Been Playing Through Possible Ligament Damage In Pinkie

De’Aaron Fox is battling through an injury that would sideline most players, but he’s determined to keep pushing for his Kings.

Fox told Chris Biderman of the Sacramento Bee that he’s been dealing with a dislocated pinkie on his shooting hand since training camp, and it’s likely got some ligament damage. Despite the injury, which has him taping his left pinkie and ring finger together, Fox is out there every night, playing with grit and resilience.

Now, Fox did have a rough shooting night against the Raptors, going 0-for-11 from beyond the arc, including a critical miss in the closing seconds of overtime that could’ve tied it up. But Fox won’t blame the injury, saying the finger isn’t the reason his shot was off.

“I wouldn’t change anything [about my shot selection], especially the last one,” he told the Bee. “I got an open look, and it didn’t come off right. … I can’t say [the injury] is the reason. I’ve had games where I’ve shot it well and I’ve had games where I haven’t. I just got to get used to it.”

Fox is averaging 23.5 points and 5.7 assists so far this season, putting up numbers most players can only dream of — injury or not. His 3-point shooting, though, has been inconsistent, and he’s at just 26.8% from deep.

That left-hand issue could be affecting his touch, whether he admits it or not. The Kings have a tight window to make noise in the West, and Fox is their leader. He’s pushing through now, but you have to wonder how long he can sustain this pace if the hand doesn’t improve.