Warriors Fall to Mavs as Kuminga Injures Knee, Despite Curry’s 8 Threes

The Golden State Warriors faced a tough defeat against the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night, falling 123-115. The loss was amplified by the injury of forward Jonathan Kuminga, who suffered left knee soreness and a twisted ankle during a second-quarter drive. Although Kuminga initially tried to continue playing, he left for the locker room before halftime and did not return.

Kuminga’s Injury Details

Kuminga is dealing with a minor knee hyperextension, as reported by ESPN’s Anthony Slater. Fortunately, the injury is not deemed serious. This setback comes just as Kuminga was finding his rhythm after a period of being sidelined. The Warriors recently lost six-time All-Star Jimmy Butler III for the season due to a torn ACL, which had opened an opportunity for Kuminga to rejoin the rotation.

Warriors’ Performance Without Key Players

Drafted seventh overall in 2021, Kuminga had faced challenges, including a contract dispute and a trade request last week after 16 consecutive games without playtime. Just prior to the Mavericks game, he performed impressively against the Toronto Raptors, scoring 20 points in 21 minutes. Against the Mavericks, he added 9 points before being injured.

• Curry led the Warriors with 38 points.
• He made 8 three-pointers; the rest of the team combined for 7.
• De’Anthony Melton was the only other player to score over 12 points with 22 points.

The Warriors struggled offensively, ending the first half with a 34.7% shooting percentage and only 6 of 25 from three-point range. Despite an initial lead, they faced scoring challenges throughout the game.

Mavericks’ Standout Players

The Mavericks showcased strong performances, particularly from Naji Marshall, who scored 30 points while contributing 9 assists and 7 rebounds. Cooper Flagg also impressed with 21 points and 11 rebounds.

Game Summary

After a promising start, the Warriors’ offensive woes became more pronounced in the second quarter. Flagg’s aggressive gameplay helped Dallas gain momentum, leading them to a significant advantage. The Mavericks dominated second-chance points 24-5, highlighting the Warriors’ struggles on both ends of the court.

Golden State regained some momentum in the third quarter, driven by Curry’s remarkable 13 points during the period. Despite this, the team’s inability to maintain consistent scoring later in the game hindered their efforts to clinch a win.

Looking Ahead

The Warriors will need to assess Kuminga’s condition closely. He has indicated that he will evaluate his knee in the morning to decide whether an MRI is necessary. The Warriors, sitting with a record of 25-21, will seek to find stability as they navigate injuries and improve their performance moving forward.