SAN FRANCISCO — While some Warriors got optional shots up at the team facility Saturday, Jonathan Kuminga took what coach Steve Kerr described as “huge step” in his recovery from an ankle sprain that has sidelined him for the past six weeks.
Kerr ruled out the Warriors’ 22-year-old wing for at least the remainder of their homestand but shared that Kuminga participated in a five-on-five scrimmage, which was significant for a couple of reasons.
Running the court with some Golden State staff members and younger players, Kuminga went through the scrimmage with no restrictions on physical contact. He returned to practice for the first time Wednesday but had not yet been cleared for contact.
It was important for Kuminga to get in the full-court, five-on-five work Saturday because the Warriors’ schedule won’t allow many other opportunities. Golden State hosts the Hornets on Tuesday, then departs for a five-game road trip with no more than one day off between contests.
“So far so good,” Kerr said before tipoff Sunday afternoon against the Mavericks. “He’s progressing each day. … With all the games that we have we don’t have a scrimmage set on our schedule for the next week. So all of the live work he’s going to get is going have to be done (in other settings).”
Kuminga missed his 23rd game Sunday with the right ankle sprain he suffered January 4 against the Grizzlies. Prior to the injury, he was averaging 16.8 points and 5.0 rebounds in 26.0 minutes per game. Kerr said he will come off the bench when he returns to the court.