Steve Kerr Shakes Up Lineup: Jonathan Kuminga Gets Crucial Playoff Chance as Golden State Warriors Fight Without Stephen Curry

Game 2 of the Warriors-Timberwolves series took a dramatic turn as Golden State faced a 17-point deficit at halftime. With Stephen Currysidelined due to a hamstring strain, head coach Steve Kerr made a bold adjustment, inserting Jonathan Kuminga into the starting lineup for the second half. The Warriors’ offense sputtered without Curry, who played just 13 minutes in Game 1 before exiting with the injury.Steve Kerr scrambled for solutions, using 14 different players in the first half—a playoff record since at least 1998, according to NBA on ESPN. The lineup shuffling failed to generate momentum, as Minnesota capitalized on Golden State’s disjointed play.Jonathan Kuminga, who had been largely out of the rotation since returning from injury late in the season, provided a rare bright spot late in the second quarter with an eight-point surge. His energy prompted Kerr to make a decisive move. At the start of the third quarter, Jonathan Kuminga replaced Quentin Post in the lineup, signaling Kerr’s urgency to spark a comeback. Anthony Slater of The Athletic noted the shift on social media, highlighting Kuminga’s late-first-half production as the catalyst for the change. The Timberwolves, led by Jimmy Butler, continued to exploit Golden State’s defensive gaps, but Kuminga’s athleticism offered a potential counter. His ability to attack the rim and defend multiple positions gave the Warriors a dimension they sorely lacked in Curry’s absence. Steve Kerr’s handling of Kuminga has been a storyline since the forward’s return from injury. Limited minutes late in the season raised questions about his playoff role, but Curry’s injury forced Kerr’s hand. With the series shifting to Golden State for Game 3, Kuminga’s second-half performance could determine whether he remains a fixture in the rotation. The Warriors stole home-court advantage by winning Game 1, but Stephen Curry’s status looms large. If he misses extended time, Kuminga’s emergence becomes even more critical. For now, Kerr’s gamble reflects both desperation and faith in the young forward’s potential to change the series’ trajectory.Also read: Stephen Curry’s son, Canon Curry, snubs him after Warriors’ playoff loss—and the internet can’t get enoughThe Warriors face an uphill battle without Curry, but Kuminga’s second-half insertion could be a turning point. His energy and scoring burst offer a glimmer of hope in an otherwise shaky performance. If he capitalizes on this opportunity, Golden State may find the spark they need to weather Curry’s absence. Meanwhile, Kerr’s lineup experiments highlight the team’s urgency—desperation meets adaptability. With the series shifting back to San Francisco, all eyes will be on whether Kuminga can solidify his role or if Minnesota’s dominance continues. One thing’s certain: the Warriors’ playoff survival now hinges on unexpected heroes stepping up.