Gui Santos’ recent emergence in the Warriors’ rotation came to a sudden and painful halt against the New York Knicks. After playing more than 15 minutes in each of the past four games, just the third such stretch of his young career, the 23-year-old appeared to be in his best version. However, despite starting the game on a heater, he was forced into an early injury exit.

The game at the Chase Center started well for the Knicks as they closed the first quarter with 35-30 in their favor. In fact, the Warriors also managed to cut down a 17-point lead at one point. Santos, who played for just 5 minutes, suffered a bad ankle twist after a collision with Josh Hart. Immediately after, Steve Kerr and the others rushed to check on Santos, who was on the floor. With the help of a trainer, he limped to the locker room as he couldn’t put pressure on his ankle.

The Warriors confirmed that Gui Santos sprained his left ankle and will not return for the remainder of the game. The severity of his injury is currently unknown. Before the injury, in the 5 minutes he played, he was everywhere. He blocked a Karl-Anthony Towns’ 5-foot two-point shot, grabbed a rebound, and drained a 23-foot three-point shot, which was a Stephen Curry assist. However, it was not the only time that Steve Kerr got to see his star’s versatility.

In Tuesday’s 119-97 win over Portland, Gui Santos filled up the stat sheet with six points, four rebounds, six assists, and four steals, going 2-for-3 from three and finishing a team-best +24 in just over 21 minutes. That’s why he has been one of the trusted players on the team for Coach Kerr.

Golden State is +54 in Santos’ 137 minutes over the past eight games, tied for the best on the team with De’Anthony Melton. His absence could leave Steve Kerr leaning more heavily on Gary Payton II to fill those defensive minutes.

Gui Santos’ future looks bright despite a bench role

The 23-year-old certainly has captured the attention of all for his display of energy and the “hustle play” on the court. Stephen Curry and Coach Kerr have also spoken positively about his impact.

After winning over the Charlotte Hornets on Dec 31, Santos had 13 points in 17 minutes, and Kerr stated, “You just feel when he’s out there, and that’s what you want from bench guys. You want to feel a burst of energy as soon as they get on the floor. I’m comfortable playing Gui in any game at any moment because of that energy. He celebrates the hustle play as much as the basket.”

Earlier this month, Stephen Curry summarized the fourth-quarter impact of Gui Santos in their one-point loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. “No matter who he’s out there with, he figures it out,” Curry added. “How to get you an extra possession here and there. Where to space. Getting off of it. So, it’s kind of funny, he’s a guy who didn’t play three quarters and then comes in and stays ready.”

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Santos credited his mentality for being always ready, irrespective of the minutes. That’s why he has become one of the first names off the bench for Coach Kerr. But an ankle injury could put those future plans on hold. As seen yesterday, Mavericks Cooper Flagg and Daniel Gafford suffered ankle injuries against the Nuggets and did not participate against the Jazz today.