The Golden State Warriors roller coaster season continues.<\/p>\n
Since acquiring Jimmy Butler<\/a> from the Miami Heat at the NBA trade deadline, the Warriors are 18-4 when the six-time All-Star suits up. A team that was 25-25 on Feb. 6, his arrival has coincided with a remarkable turnaround. It’s long been understood that Butler’s two-way playmaking and playoff performances would be benefits of his addition<\/a>. Yet, his interior gravity and ability to draw free-throws has generated buzz as well.<\/p>\n The big question was how the team would look when Jonathan Kuminga<\/a> returned.<\/p>\n This season, he was shooting above 40 percent on catch-and-shoot 3s prior to his injury. However, like Butler, he would much rather do damage inside the 3-point circle. In theory, having Kuminga and Butler on the floor at the same time would compromise spacing<\/a>. Even going small with Draymond Green<\/a> at center isn’t a great solution, his reputation as a mediocre 3-point shooter preceding him.<\/p>\n Kuminga has now played nine games since returning from his ankle injury. In that span, the Warriors have gone 6-3. But there’s a caveat.<\/p>\n They were just 5-3 heading into Sunday’s game against the San Antonio Spurs. They ended up winning by 42 points. However, Kuminga only played six and a half minutes during the blowout after experiencing right ankle soreness. As noted by The Athletic’s Anthony Slater, that’s the same ankle he injured in early January<\/a>.<\/p>\n Jonathan Kuminga: Right ankle soreness, per Warriors. Will not return. That’s the same ankle that kept him out for 31 games.<\/p>\n \u2014 Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) March 31, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\nWarriors Forward Jonathan Kuminga’s Injury Illuminates Absence<\/h2>\n
\n