Steve Kerr and Jonathan Kuminga (Image Credit: Getty Images)
With the Golden State Warriors looking to undo their modest showing from last year, the season so far has been great. Enjoying a 3-1 win-loss record from their opening 4 games, the Warriors are looking quite the team to beat. Having undergone a solid preseason under Steve Kerr, the fans might as well dream of witnessing flashes of the old Warriors.
After stumbling to the Clippers, Steph Curry and co. made a quick turnaround. They beat the Pelicans 124-106 to keep themselves in the championship hunt. However, as they brace up to face more tougher opponents, a surprise decision from Steve Kerr has had the hoops world confused. It was just 3 games after which the team benched Jonathan Kuminga.
The news of Kuminga being benched was first reported by NBA insider, Shams Charania. Later on, when Kerr was asked about the same, he came up with a valid explanation. The Warriors head coach said, “Three games is nothing, I don’t worry about a small sample size like that. JK had a great preseason, he’ll come around. We’re gonna need his force and athleticism, and tonight could be a big night for him in that regard, depending on how the game plays out. We have played 12 people each game, so it’s going to be hard for guys to individually find their rhythm because they’re not playing as much.”
Steve Kerr spoke before tonight’s game about Jonathan Kuminga’s play during the Warriors’ first three contests pic.twitter.com/EjOd7ZVGwp
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) October 30, 2024
Well, Kerr keeping faith in Kuminga’s abilities is surely a good sign for the 22-year-old. As a matter of fact, the hype train of Kuminga took a serious hit as he seemed to be struggling to adjust to the Warriors’ playing style. From his first three games, Kuminga had averages of 8 points, 1 assist, and 3.3 rebounds. Meanwhile, apart from Kuminga’s off-colour start, Steve Kerr also has another serious problem at hand. Steph Curry might miss more matches due to his injuries.
Steph Curry’s Absence Might Become A Headache For Steve Kerr
If the Warriors fancy a championship run, Steph Curry must be 100% fit. Unfortunately, Curry’s latest injury is showing signs of headaches for the Golden State. During their loss to the LA Clippers, Curry injured his ankle and left in the third quarter. Trying to overlook the injury, the icon came back in the fourth quarter. Sadly, this only made things worse, as the team asked Curry to sit out for the next two games.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, who exited last night’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers with 7:55 remaining in the fourth quarter, underwent an MRI late last night.
The MRI showed no structural damage and confirmed the injury as a left peroneal strain. He will… pic.twitter.com/C5GmGBxM3X
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) October 28, 2024
Thankfully, Curry’s ankle had no structural damage per his MRI scan. However, the Warriors star was diagnosed with a left peroneal tendon strain. The team will reevaluate Curry on Friday. Thus, with Curry incurring an injury, it will be interesting to see how the Warriors perform in his absence.