After missing 31 straight games this season, it felt that Jonathan Kuminga had recovered from his injury. But after playing just 9 games, the ankle injury returned to haunt Steve Kerr and the Warriors. During the second quarter against the Spurs, the Congolese forward took a fall and was ruled out for the game due to ankle soreness. With just 8 games left in the regular season, the Dub nation would want every player to be fit for the playoffs. But is the 22-year-old’s injury serious, as the HC spoke during the press conference?

“Yeah. I saw him (Kuminga) at halftime and checked in on him. Such a bummer, you know, just coming back, finds rhythm, playing well. So, hopefully, it’s nothing too serious.” This season, JK has averaged 16.3 points and played in about 25.5 minutes per game. But what if the injury takes longer than usual? Don’t worry, Steve Kerr has confidence in another 22-year-old forward who has cracked the team’s rotation and, little by little leaving his mark on the game.

“Gui our highest plus/minus guy on the year, and, you know, obviously, he doesn’t play a ton, but he plays a really important role. He comes in and he gets offensive boards, and he moves the ball and plays with great energy.” The 59-year-old continued, “He is a difference maker, and so I feel great about playing Gui, if he has to play more in JK’s absence, and he will be ready to go.”

After the 148-106 win over the Spurs, up next, the Grizzlies await the Warriors. But the good news is that GS is now in sole possession of the 6-seed in the West with 8 games left. The Dub nation trails the Memphis side by 1 game for the 5-seed. So, even without Kuimga, Steve Kerr will have to find the right balance as their future hangs in the balance.

From being assigned to the G-League to earning the trust of coach Steve Kerr

The 55th overall pick of the Golden State Warriors in the 2022 NBA Draft has seen an increased minutes this season. But this wasn’t the case at the start of the season. In November, the team assigned Santos to their G-league team to not hamper his development. At the time, the Warriors were top of the Western Conference table with a 9-2 record and had their 12 player rotation. The Brazilian forward never lost hope and continued his training at the peak level. Then the chances did come his way.

One of which he took against the Pistons, as he was playing his first meaningful minutes. The 22-year-old recorded an equal career-high 13 points on 4-of-6 shooting from 3-point range, while also adding five rebounds, three assists, two steals, and finishing as a +7 in nearly 26 minutes of playing time. Even against the Bulls, Santos’ contributions were noteworthy. He registered 19 points and seven boards and missed only three shots. Even three weeks ago, Santos performed against the Pistons.

15 points, six rebounds, and a highlight-reel block on Pistons center Jalen Duren. After the game, Steve Kerr made the revelation of continuing to give the same opportunity even if Kuminga returns. But the return now seems short-lived and will once again benefit the Brazilian forward.