SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga suffered a right ankle sprain during Saturday night’s game, according to coach Steve Kerr, who anticipates that Kuminga will be sidelined for a period of time. The injury occurred in the later stages of the first half in the Warriors’ 121-113 win over the Memphis Grizzlies when Kuminga landed awkwardly while attempting to block a shot. An MRI examination is scheduled for further evaluation.
Kerr indicated that with Kuminga out, Kyle Anderson will see an increased role on the court. “It’s not a minor injury. It was a significant sprain,” Kerr stated. “We will receive a detailed update tomorrow.” The Warriors are set to face the Sacramento Kings on Sunday in a back-to-back matchup.
Kuminga, who entered the game as the Warriors’ second-highest scorer after Stephen Curry with an average of 16.9 points, was limited to 13 points in 15 minutes of play due to the injury. Kerr acknowledged the impact of Kuminga’s absence, highlighting his recent strong performances. “It’s going to be challenging. JK has been excelling on the court in recent weeks, so his absence will be felt,” Kerr remarked. “However, Kyle is prepared to step up.”
Anderson logged over 21 minutes of play against the Grizzlies, contributing seven points, three assists, and three rebounds. Despite inconsistent playing time, Anderson expressed readiness for the increased responsibility. “I have put in the necessary work during my time on the sidelines to stay prepared, so now it’s about performing on the court,” Anderson remarked, drawing on past experiences. “I have encountered similar situations a few times in my career and have always earned a spot in the playoff rotation. The objective is to continue improving, supporting my teammates, and delivering when called upon.”
Throughout the season, the Warriors have relied on their deep roster to navigate through various injuries. Kerr expressed gratitude for the team’s depth, particularly in light of Anderson’s upcoming role. “I am relieved that we have the depth we need, especially with Kyle available,” Kerr noted. “… We bolstered our squad with depth precisely for situations like this, to withstand injuries.”
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