The Golden State Warriors faced off against the Sacramento Kings on Thursday night in a statement victory, cruising to a dominant 130-104 win and a 13-1 NBA record with Jimmy Butler. The game was filled with milestones, as Stephen Curry set a new record, Steve Kerr achieved a coaching milestone, and Jonathan Kuminga made a highly anticipated return after missing 31 games due to a sprained right ankle.
Kuminga’s impact was immediate, finishing with 18 points, three rebounds, one assist, and a steal while shooting 7-of-10 from the field in just 20 minutes of action. His return added another dimension to Golden State’s rotation, giving the team an extra boost as it continues to push up the Western Conference standings. The Warriors delivered a well-balanced performance, with more than seven players scoring in double figures.
Jimmy Butler, who recorded six points, seven assists, five rebounds, and a steal, spoke highly of Kuminga’s return in a postgame interview with The Athletic’s Anthony Slater.
“I love that my man came out aggressive—putting the ball in the basket, high energy, jumping out of the gym, and throwing down dunks,” Butler said. “I want him to be the best version of himself, continually growing to help this squad achieve something special.”
Jimmy Butler praises Kuminga’s defensive versatility
When asked about sharing the floor with both Kuminga and Draymond Green, Butler highlighted their defensive versatility and ability to impact the game on both ends.
“I think that’s the easiest form of basketball when we’ve got 2.5 defenders—I’m the .5—that can switch, communicate, and make plays for the entire team,” Butler said. “Then on offense, we’ve got guys flying around, high-IQ guys making the right reads, getting to the rim, and facilitating for each other. With us three out there, good things should happen.”
With a laugh, Butler added, “I mean, Dre’s got Defensive Player of the Year awards, [Kuminga] is a freak athlete and what, 22 years old? And then I’m just there.”
Draymond Green on Kuminga’s impact
Draymond Green delivered one of his best performances in years, dropping 23 points—his highest-scoring game in seven seasons. He also addressed Kuminga’s return, emphasizing how much the Warriors need his presence.
“We’ve been in a groove, but I don’t think there’s a soul in this building that thought we didn’t need [Jonathan Kuminga] back,” Green said. “We needed him in a major way. It’s great to see him return and play well, shutting down any doubts.”
As the Warriors prepare for the final stretch of the season, Green stressed the importance of Kuminga’s physicality and ability to handle high-pressure situations. “The game is only going to get more physical as we head into the playoffs, and he can match that intensity,” Green said. “He can also use opponents’ physicality and pressure against them to get downhill and attack.”
Green also sent a message to Kuminga about his role moving forward. “Just play your game,” Green said. “Don’t worry about fitting in or thinking, ‘Oh, I need to adjust because the team is rolling.’ Nobody cares—just be JK. Get downhill, get to the rim, and bring that defensive intensity. We need him to be the stud that he is, no matter who else is on the floor.” With Kuminga back in the mix, the Warriors are looking increasingly dangerous as they continue their push toward the NBA postseason.