Warriors forward Otto Porter Jr. exited the team’s Game 3 win on Sunday night in the second quarter due to what the team is calling left foot soreness, as Kendra Andrews of ESPN writes.
Porter sustained the injury when he landed after a layup attempt. He tried to play through the pain, but was favoring his left foot and had to be subbed out shortly thereafter, at which point he headed to the locker room.
X-rays on Porter’s left foot came back negative, according to Andrews, but it sounds like he’ll undergo more testing on the injury, which head coach Steve Kerr referred to as “definitely concerning” (Twitter link via Anthony Slater of The Athletic). The Warriors said after the game that they expect to know more within the next 24 hours, so it’s possible we’ll get an update by the end of the day on Monday.
A foot injury sidelined Porter for the last game of the Western Conference Semifinals on May 13, but that ailment affected his right foot, not his left, so this is a new injury rather than an aggravation of that one.
Porter has been a key member of Golden State’s rotation during the team’s playoff run this spring, averaging 5.5 PPG, 4.1 RPG, and 2.2 APG on .467/.323/.714 shooting in 13 appearances (20.7 MPG). Those averages are diminished slightly due to the two games he left early due to his foot issues.
The Warriors are up 3-0 in the Western Conference Finals vs. the Mavericks, with Game 4 to be played on Tuesday in Dallas.
This season Otto Porter proves he “exist”
One year ago he did not exist
Bulls fans can surely attest
Next man up. Hoping its the rookie Kuminga. He gets kind of Lost on he defensive rotations and switches but he at least has a chance to contribute on the offensive end, driving the ball to the rim.
Kerr seems more comfortable playing JTA and Lee the past few games but they are not a threat to score the ball.
If there is ever a chance to get Kuminga some Minutes it should be in this Game 4 with Otto out and a 3-0 Lead in the series. Put him in coach.
I doubt Lee cracks the rotation anytime soon. It seems GS has discovered that Moody is much more effective.
Whether or not Kuminga plays remains to be seen. As you pointed out, having a 3-0 lead would give the team a chance to experiment with the rotation a bit
You both make great points and it’s not that I disagree.
Here’s another thought. It’s the Western Conference Finals. There is no experimenting with anything even though you’re up 3-0. It’s time to close out and rest up rather than burn a game experimenting.
If a guy comes in whether it’s Jonathan kuminga or someone else, it’s because he is needed not because they’re experimenting.
Yes. If the Warriors can get it done in Game 4 and the Celtics/Heat goes to 7…that could be a week of rest and Finals prep for the Warriors. Player development is not worth more than that.
Perhaps “experiment” was the wrong word. With Porter out, you’re either plugging Kuminga or JTA in the rotation. I figure you can see how each fare in a limited capacity and still have your eyes on the sweep