The Golden State Warriors’ road woes deepened Wednesday night when forward Jonathan Kuminga was forced out of their game against the San Antonio Spurs with bilateral knee soreness. The injury couldn’t have come at a worse time for a team desperately seeking answers away from home.
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Jonathan Kuminga: Injury Details
Kuminga played just 12 minutes before heading to the locker room with 32 seconds remaining in the second quarter. The Warriors officially ruled him out for the remainder of the contest, citing the knee issues that had plagued him leading up to the game.
The 23-year-old forward managed only four rebounds and missed his lone field goal attempt before the premature exit. He had been listed as questionable before tipoff with bilateral knee patellar tendonitis—inflammation affecting both knees.
Jonathan Kuminga’s 2025-26 Season Stats
| Category | Average |
|---|---|
| Games Started | 12 of 12 (now benched) |
| Points Per Game | 14.9 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 6.8 |
| Assists Per Game | 3.1 |
| Field Goal % | 48.1% |
| Three-Point % | 33.3% |
| Minutes Per Game | 29.0 (3rd on team) |
Timing Couldn’t Be Worse
The injury comes amid a brutal stretch for Golden State, which entered Wednesday’s matchup riding a six-game road losing streak. Head coach Steve Kerr had already made the difficult decision to bench Kuminga for the first time this season, starting rookie Will Richard instead.
Kuminga’s recent struggles played into that decision—he shot just 40% from the field and a dismal 15% from three-point range over his previous five games. Still, his overall production remains vital for a Warriors team sitting at 6-6 and currently ninth in the Western Conference.
Kerr’s Spacing Dilemma
Before the injury, Kerr had been experimenting with lineups featuring Kuminga alongside Steph Curry, Draymond Green, Al Horford and Jimmy Butler. The combination raised concerns about floor spacing, particularly given Kuminga’s inconsistent three-point shooting.
“Well, there wasn’t much spacing, which is the big concern but we’ve got to continue to give them some looks,” Kerr admitted candidly. “It’s early in camp, too. If we can execute the stuff we’re trying to operate, it can be effective. But it’s just not a smooth fit.”
The coach acknowledged that playing Kuminga with multiple defensively-oriented forwards creates offensive pressure. “It puts pressure on our offense to really have to execute,” he explained.
Contract Year Complications
This setback adds another layer of complexity to Kuminga’s situation. After a lengthy offseason as a restricted free agent, trade speculation has followed him throughout the early season. League executives view the former seventh overall pick as a potential trade candidate if Golden State decides to retool midseason.
His journey with the Warriors has been marked by flashes of brilliance mixed with frustrating inconsistency. Last season represented a step backward with fluctuating minutes and diminished impact during crucial stretches.
Depth Chart Adjustments
With Kuminga sidelined, expect increased minutes for Moses Moody, who brings defensive versatility and a more consistent perimeter shot. Quinten Post could also see expanded frontcourt opportunities, particularly against towering opponents like Victor Wembanyama.
Curry remains the team’s offensive engine at 25 points per game, while Jimmy Butler chips in 18.3 points nightly. The Warriors have emphasized rest and long-term health this season, with Curry already missing three games.
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Road Ahead
The Warriors face back-to-back games against the Spurs before continuing their demanding road trip through New Orleans, Orlando and Miami. They won’t return home until November 21—a challenging stretch made more difficult without a healthy Kuminga.
The knee condition isn’t new for the athletic forward whose rim-attacking style makes him particularly susceptible to these flare-ups. The NBA’s emphasis on load management may force the Warriors to exercise extreme caution with their young forward’s recovery timeline.
What It Means
Golden State’s championship aspirations hinge on finding consistent production from players beyond their aging core. Kuminga was supposed to be that bridge between generations—a versatile two-way player capable of defending multiple positions while providing secondary scoring.
Instead, the Warriors find themselves in familiar territory: relying heavily on 36-year-old Curry while scrambling to integrate new pieces and manage injuries that threaten to derail another season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is bilateral knee patellar tendonitis and how long does recovery typically take?
A: Bilateral knee patellar tendonitis is inflammation of the patellar tendon in both knees, commonly affecting athletes who jump frequently. Recovery time varies widely—from a few days with rest to several weeks for chronic cases. The Warriors are likely to take a cautious approach given Kuminga’s importance to their long-term plans and their emphasis on player health this season.
Q: Why did Steve Kerr bench Jonathan Kuminga for the Spurs game?
A: Kerr benched Kuminga in favor of rookie Will Richard to shake up a struggling lineup amid the Warriors’ six-game road losing streak. Kuminga had shot poorly over his previous five games (40% FG, 15% 3PT) and the coaching staff wanted to address spacing concerns with the starting unit. The decision came before Kuminga’s early exit due to knee soreness.
