In his fourth season with the Warriors, forward Jonathan Kuminga is averaging 16 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists through 41 games.
Mike Stewart/Associated Press
MEMPHIS — Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga is questionable to play Tuesday against the Memphis Grizzlies, according to the NBA’s injury report. Kuminga left Golden State’s 148-106 victory Sunday over the San Antonio Spurs with 6:59 to play in the first half after crashing into the court while driving to the basket.
After gathering himself for a minute or so, he walked gingerly into the tunnel next to Golden State’s bench with director of medical services Drew Yoder. He didn’t return with right ankle soreness, the team announced at halftime.
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On the injury report Monday, Kuminga’s designation is instead considered a pelvic contusion. He first landed with his right foot before falling on his backside. After the game, he told the Chronicle he was “straight” and hopeful he wouldn’t miss any games.
Kuminga, 22, missed 31 games with a severe ankle sprain sustained Jan. 5, returning March 13 to Golden State’s rotation. He’s since averaged 13.1 points (43.8% shooting, 15.8% 3-point shooting), 3.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 21.6 minutes. Overall this season, his fourth for the Warriors, he’s averaging 16 points (45.5% shooting, 31.9% 3-point shooting), 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists through 41 games.
Sturdy at 6 feet 7 inches, he’s Golden State’s most explosive athlete and finisher.
Gary Payton II (left thumb partial ligament tear) won’t play Tuesday, missing his third straight game. He’s due for re-evaluation Thursday, the team announced last week. As Golden State’s top point-of-attack defender who screens, slashes and finishes offensively, Payton in 58 games this season averages 6.6 points (58.5% shooting, 33.3% 3-point shooting), three rebounds and 1.3 assists — including 11.5 points (64.3% shooting, 46.4% 3-point shooting), four rebounds and 1.4 assists in March.
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Without Payton, coach Steve Kerr said last week he was expecting Kuminga to guard the premier opposing ballhandlers and scorers lacking in their last two opponents, the shorthanded New Orleans Pelicans and San Antonio Spurs.
“Put him on the best offensive player, pick up full, harass people like Gary does. I’m going to ask JK to do that and it definitely opens up more minutes for him if he’s effective at it,” Kerr said.
“He’s got a lot of potential (as a point-of-attack defender). I think it’s right there for him. We’ll give him some tough assignments here coming up, but it’s always in the context of the team, team defense, five-man unit. And that applies to everybody. Doesn’t matter if you’re an on-ball defender or an off-ball defender. Got to be in sync with everybody else.”
Reach Sam Gordon: [email protected]
