Fox will continue to play with an injury in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals.

San Antonio Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson announced today that both of the team's previously injured guards, De'Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper, are expected to participate in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals.

Ahead of the Spurs' third loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, both players were listed as play-or-play dependents. Fox suffered a high ankle sprain on his right side, while rookie Harper was plagued by a right adductor injury.

Even so, both players played through their injuries. Fox even slightly twisted his ankle again in the second half and briefly left the court, but still insisted on returning to the court to finish the game.

Johnson spoke highly of the two players' professionalism. He stated that Fox and Harper left the court on their own initiative after the game, which demonstrates that their physical condition is currently favorable.

After the game, Johnson said, "As of now, we expect them to be ready to play in Game 4. These guys are giving their all for the team, and I praise them and give them my respect."

"Because they haven't recovered to 100%, but they're still giving it their all on the court. Until things change, this is the state we hope to maintain for now."

With Fox and Harper providing support, the Spurs' ball-handling depth was alleviated. Second-year guard Castle had previously faced immense pressure handling the ball due to a lack of rotation options, even committing 20 turnovers in the first two games.

Johnson also admitted that the return of Fox and Harper allows the players to rely on each other when facing the Thunder's tough defense, greatly alleviating the team's fatigue on both ends of the court.

Despite the heartbreaking loss in Game 3, Johnson has full confidence in the resilience shown by Fox and Harper and expects them to continue leading the Spurs' all-out comeback in Game 4.

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