Point guard struggling with hamstring strain, a doubt for Game 4 of NBA Finals.
San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker faces an anxious wait to see whether he is fit enough to play in Game 4 of the NBA Finals 2013.
The point guard underwent an MRI Scan on Wednesday that revealed a Grade 1 hamstring strain, the mildest level possible, but has forced him to be listed as day-to-day.
“I was just hoping it was not a tear,” Parker said. “The good news is it’s not a tear or a defect. So that’s the good news. Now I just have to see how I feel tomorrow,” Parker told the media as reported by ESPN after receiving the news.
The 30-year-old picked up the injury in the second half of Game 3, where fortunately his absence didn’t prevent the Spurs from clinching a 113-77 blow-out win.
The Frenchman did in fact return to the floor after initially being taken back into the locker room for treatment, and although he spent most of practice on Wednesday speaking with coach Gregg Popovich rather than participating in drills, he remains optimistic of his chances of featuring on Thursday night.
“We’ll see how it goes tomorrow. We’ll talk with Pop,” Parker said. “I know Pop is always going to prefer to take low risk.”
Despite the effort from the San Antonio role players on Tuesday night, the organisation understand the importance of having Parker fit and ready to lead the team as they try to maintain their momentum.
Gary Neal, Danny Green and Kawhi Leonard have been impressive while the Spurs “Big Three” go through their own struggles, but it will take a great effort for them to extend the kind of shooting night they enjoyed in Game 3.
Neal had 24 points off the bench, while Danny Green also heated up from beyond the arc to help the Spurs bounce back from a disastrous Game 2. However, the pressure is still on them as they play the next two games at home.
Despite his struggles last time out, Parker remains the engine on which the Spurs team relies upon, and his absence would undoubtedly have a big say in what turn this series takes next.
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