Golden State’s rising star Jonathan Kuminga will miss at least 11 games after suffering a significant lateral right ankle sprain. The 22-year-old had been in the best form of his career, averaging 20.5 points over the last 14 games, but now faces a three-week recovery period.
The Golden State Warriors announced on Sunday that forward Jonathan Kuminga will be reevaluated in three weeks after an MRI confirmed he suffered a significant lateral right ankle sprain. Kuminga went down in the second quarter of Saturday’s 121-113 win over the Memphis Grizzlies, landing awkwardly in the paint and rolling his right ankle. The 22-year-old immediately departed the game and left Chase Center on crutches.
Kuminga had been enjoying the best stretch of his young career, stepping into an expanded role as a primary scorer. Over his past 14 games, he averaged 20.5 points per game, including three 20-point performances in his last four games and back-to-back career-highs of 34 points. This season, Kuminga is posting career-high averages of 16.8 points and five rebounds per game.
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr was visibly frustrated to be without Kuminga in the lineup, specifically given the way the rookie has played of late.
“Brutal,” Kerr said prior to the Warriors’ 129-99 loss to the Sacramento Kings on Sunday. “JK has been playing so well and is obviously such a big part of what we are doing. He is our more athletic scorer and finisher.”
Kerr added that the depth of the team is going to be important in weathering this loss, with players like Kyle Anderson and Moses Moody likely to step into larger roles.
This Kuminga injury, though, happens at a rather important time for the Warriors, who need to firm up their standing as well in front of the February 6 trade deadline. He’s set to become a restricted free agent this summer, so there’s added intrigue in his eventual return.
“I just don’t want to be off,” Kuminga said, reflecting on the injury. “I want to be out there playing, especially now that our team is taking off in the right direction.”
The Warriors continue to deal with a host of other injuries: Their rookie guard Brandin Podziemski has stayed out with an abdominal strain, although Kerr insinuated a possibly soon return from that injury. There is also no Gary Payton II because of a calf problem.
Despite all setbacks, Kuminga remains confident about his future in the organization. “I’m pretty confident where I’m at and I feel good about where I’m at right now with everything that’s going on,” he said.
The Warriors will now look to keep competitive without Kuminga by leaning on the depth of the bench and veterans to keep the momentum going.
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