De'Aaron Fox receives encouraging update as San Antonio Spurs battle Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3

Victor Wembanyama continues to push the San Antonio Spurs deeper into the spotlight, but ahead of Game 3 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, another development quietly shifted the mood around the team. De’Aaron Fox, who had missed the opening two games of the Western Conference Finals with a right ankle sprain, was officially cleared to return Friday night. Rookie guard Dylan Harper also received clearance, giving San Antonio a badly needed boost as the series returned home tied at 1-1.The timing matters. Oklahoma City entered the night without Jalen Williams, who was ruled out because of lingering hamstring soreness after exiting Game 2 early. For the Spurs, Fox’s return changes the rhythm of the matchup immediately. His speed in transition, control in late-clock possessions and ability to pressure defenders offer San Antonio a different offensive balance, especially against a Thunder team that has relied heavily on its perimeter pressure throughout the postseason.Fox’s road back into the lineup came with uncertainty right until tipoff. The veteran guard suffered the ankle injury during San Antonio’s semifinal-clinching win over Minnesota on May 15 when his leg was rolled on during a collision with Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosunmu. Though Fox finished the game, the swelling and soreness kept him sidelined for the first two contests of the conference finals.Before Game 3, Spurs coach Mitch Johnson admitted the injury was unlikely to disappear anytime soon during the playoff run. The focus instead shifted toward managing pain while balancing the player’s long-term health.“I can tell you there’s games that people are playing right now that wouldn’t be playing in the regular season, and, so, that’s what I mean by different,” Johnson said. “I think there are levels of competitiveness and urgency and as of right now we’re at the height of that. So, you just try to make sure you keep some of these guys from themselves and their own competitiveness and desire to be out there because, again, their well-being is still the priority.”Harper’s availability became another important layer to the night after the rookie exited Game 2 with right adductor soreness. He had started both games in Fox’s absence and handled heavy minutes despite the pressure of a conference finals stage. His return gave San Antonio another ball-handler capable of easing Fox back into rhythm.Meanwhile, Oklahoma City suddenly faces questions about depth and durability. Williams had already battled recurring hamstring problems during the regular season, limiting him to only 33 games. Losing him now removes one of the Thunder’s most versatile two-way wings during a series that already feels increasingly physical.San Antonio entered Game 3 with renewed energy, healthier guards and a home crowd waiting for a response. In a series this tight, even one returning starter can change everything. As of writing, Fox 11 points in 12 minutes.