The Warriors crushed the Spurs 148-106 Sunday, but their road win came with a concerning setback.
Jonathan Kuminga went down hard during the game, landing awkwardly on his right ankle – the same one that already cost him 31 straight games this season. He didn’t return to action.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr sounded worried after the game, telling reporters he hopes the injury isn’t “too serious.”
This is potentially devastating timing for Golden State. Kuminga had just worked his way back into the lineup on March 13 against the Kings and had played in nine consecutive games before Sunday’s fall.
The 22-year-old forward has already missed 33 total games this season.
“Jonathan Kuminga: Right ankle soreness, per Warriors. Will not return. That’s the same ankle that kept him out for 31 games,” reported Anthony Slater on Twitter.
Golden State drafted Kuminga seventh overall in 2021, and he’s developed into an important piece of their rotation. Over four seasons, he’s appeared in 252 games with 84 starts.
Last season marked his best year yet, with Kuminga playing a career-high 74 games and starting 46 of them.
The timing couldn’t be worse for the Warriors. They’re currently sitting sixth in the Western Conference with a 43-31 record – just barely avoiding the play-in tournament position.
Only half a game separates Golden State from the Timberwolves in the standings.
With just eight games left in the regular season, the Warriors are in a tight race to maintain their direct playoff spot and avoid the play-in tournament altogether.
They’ll need a healthy Kuminga for any serious playoff push in April.
