Warriors star Stephen Curry responds to Jonathan Kuminga’s criticism with clear message

Since the Golden State Warriors selected Jonathan Kuminga in the 2021 NBA Draft, the young forward has flashed immense potential, fueling high expectations for his development. However, in his fourth season, he has struggled to meet those lofty standards, leading to mounting criticism. Amid the scrutiny, Warriors leader Stephen Curry made it clear where he stands on Kuminga’s performances.

Injury setbacks have plagued Kuminga this season, limiting him to just 42 games so far. Despite the challenges, the 22-year-old played a key role off the bench in Golden State’s much-needed 123-116 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. He finished with 18 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and one block, shooting 7-of-12 from the field.

Following the game, Curry was asked if this was Kuminga’s best performance to date. His response sent a strong message about the frequent debates surrounding the young forward.

“I think we need to kind of just let this guy play basketball,” Curry told The Athletic’s Anthony Slater. “We don’t have to have a declaration after every game. We don’t have to be in a situation where we are judging every minute he’s out there”.

Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors drives against Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)

While Curry understands that Kuminga is still growing as an NBA player, he emphasized that the forward is “figuring things out” in the league. “I understand he’s the next in line to come into his own as an NBA player, but I wish my fourth year wasn’t labeled as my greatest game ever or my worst game ever. He’s figuring it out,” Curry said. “If we’re going to win at the highest level, he has to be a part of it”.

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Draymond Green highlights Kuminga’s growth

Four-time NBA champion Draymond Green also weighed in on Kuminga’s impressive performance against the Lakers, highlighting the young forward’s continued growth.

“He was so patient, let the game come to him… I thought the biggest play he made was when he got in the middle of the paint and kicked it out to Moses [Moody],” Green said in his postgame press conference. “That just shows growth. That’s what stars do. So, it’s just good to see that next-level growth from him, and we need him to continue playing the way he did tonight”.

Steve Kerr praises Kuminga’s defensive impact

With both the Warriors and Lakers desperately needing a win, head coach Steve Kerr credited Kuminga’s defensive role as a major factor in Golden State’s victory. “He played the role that we really needed from him,” Kerr told reporters after the game. “His defense was good. He had nine rebounds, took care of the ball—no turnovers—and four assists”.

Kerr also emphasized Kuminga’s versatility, particularly in a game that required frequent switching on defense. “It was a switching game. We switched a lot, and he was great defensively, staying in front [of ballhandlers] and just played a really solid game,” Kerr continued. “He did exactly what we needed to help us win the game”.