The Golden State Warriors find themselves in desperate need of a spark heading into Game 4 of their Western Conference Semifinal series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. With their season hanging in the balance and Stephen Curry sidelined due to injury, all eyes are now turning to a rising star who may finally be seizing his moment: Jonathan Kuminga.

After dropping Game 3 at home in frustrating fashion, 102-97, the Warriors trail the Timberwolves 2-1 in the series. The team came out flat before mounting a late surge, but it wasn’t enough. Now, with Game 4 back at Chase Center on Monday night, the big question is—can Kuminga deliver again, and more importantly, is he healthy and ready to go?

Warriors vs Wolves Injury Report for Game 4

The Warriors injury report released Sunday night brought no new shocks but still carried massive implications. As expected, Stephen Curry is listed as “Out” with a left hamstring strain he sustained in Game 1. While initial speculation suggested a potential return later in the series, the most optimistic timeline has Curry back by Game 6, assuming Golden State even makes it that far.

Beyond Curry, Gary Payton II is the only other name on the report, and he continues to be listed as “Available” despite managing a left thumb issue throughout the postseason. The Warriors will once again rely on his defensive grit and veteran poise off the bench.

Jonathan Kuminga, however, is notably absent from the injury list—a huge sigh of relief for Dub Nation. JK had been battling various physical setbacks earlier this year and lost his spot in the rotation. But after playing 36 minutes (second-most minutes all year) in Game 3, Kuminga appears fully healthy and, more importantly, fully activated. His omission from the injury report confirms he’s locked and loaded for Game 4, where he’s expected to once again take on a significant role with Curry out.

On the Timberwolves’ side, the injury report was just as clear. Anthony Edwards has no listed injuries and will be active for Game 4. That’s major for Minnesota, especially after Edwards erupted for 28 of his 36 points in the second half of Game 3. The Wolves also continue to benefit from strong playmaking by Julius Randle, who tallied 12 assists and helped free up Edwards by allowing him to operate more off-ball.

Jonathan Kuminga Seizing the Moment

The injury to Curry has forced Steve Kerr’s hand, and in that vacuum, Jonathan Kuminga has emerged as the unexpected hero. In Game 3, the 21-year-old forward delivered the best playoff performance of his career, dropping 30 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists on a blistering 61/75/83 shooting split. Yet what made Kuminga’s night more impressive than the numbers was the mental toughness behind it.

“I feel like I was just ready,” Kuminga said. “Feeling much better, just my body since I got hurt, that confidence, and just staying ready.” His journey back into the rotation wasn’t easy.

After losing his starting spot earlier this season and sitting through three straight DNPs, Kuminga relied on preparation—film study, workouts, and sheer focus. “I think the only thing that kept me ready was watching how we play, working out every other day, and just watching film.”

And clearly, that commitment paid off. Warriors majority owner Joe Lacob was visibly animated in the stands during Kuminga’s big plays, pumping his fists and showing rare in-game emotion. But Kuminga? Oblivious. “I don’t pay attention to that… I don’t even see the crowd, I only see my teammates and our coaches.”

He’s so locked in that he sometimes doesn’t even register what side of the court he’s on. That kind of tunnel vision is exactly what Golden State needs now. With Draymond Green struggling (and making the wrong kind of history with more turnovers than field goals in his 43rd career playoff game), Kuminga’s energy and athleticism are breathing life into a stale offense.

Game 4 will be a defining moment for the Golden State Warriors, and Jonathan Kuminga may just be the player holding the keys to their postseason survival. With Curry still sidelined and the series tilting in Minnesota’s favor, Kuminga’s breakout couldn’t have come at a better time. He’s healthy, confident, and finally trusted with a real opportunity.

Whether or not Golden State forces a Game 5 could depend largely on his shoulders. But judging by his recent form and unshakeable mindset, Jonathan Kuminga is more than ready for the challenge.