Jonathan Kuminga finally had a real chance to play big minutes with three stars out. Then his back said no suddenly before the match kicked off
Golden State Warriors forward was added to the injury report hours before Friday’s matchup against Oklahoma City Thunder with lower back soreness. He went from expected rotation player to questionable to ruled out in rapid succession.
The worst part? Coach Steve Kerr does not know anything deep about his sudden back injury.
Steve Kerr’s Blunt Admission Sparks Concern Over Jonathan Kuminga’s Lingering Back Issue
During the postgame media availability, the head coach sounded absolutely defeated after the Warriors’ loss to OKC. The defending NBA champion demolished Kerr’s squad at home by a big 37 points.
However, after asking when Kuminga got hurt, Kerr replied, “Just before the game.” It sounded like it was a very sudden back pain right before tip-off.
Then the reporter pressed him about whether the injury was serious; Kerr didn’t sugarcoat anything. He admitted, “I have no idea,” with raw honesty.
Reporter: “When did Kuminga get hurt?”
Steve Kerr: “Just before the game.”
Reporter: “Are the Warriors worried it will linger?
Kerr: “I have no idea.” 😬
(via @957thegame)pic.twitter.com/thfGRshxS8
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 3, 2026
Head coach Steve Kerr had confirmed earlier Friday that Kuminga would “for sure” be on the floor because of the absences the Warriors were dealing with. Hours later, Kerr had no option but to face the defending champion without his best players.
Kuminga became the latest one to get himself included in the injury line after Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler were all ruled out. Quite frankly, the timing couldn’t have been worse for a player trying to prove his value.
The worst part? The frustrating part is that Kuminga has played in only one of the Warriors’ last 11 games, with nine of those listed as DNPs. And as he is ineligible for a trade now, he became the Warriors’ throat-slitting.
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Kerr explained the difference between short-burst and long-burst players and used Jonathan Kuminga as an example. He said some guys come off the bench for quick stretches, like Gui Santos and Gary Payton II. Those players make an instant impact with energy, rebounding, and hustle, even without the ball in their hands.
But Kuminga is different. Kerr said Kuminga has told him he needs real minutes and touches to find his rhythm. He wants the ball so he can make plays. Short-burst roles usually go to players who work off the ball and create energy plays. Kuminga’s game doesn’t really fit that style.
