The Golden State Warriors are coming off a crucial victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, a game that marked the return of their NBA superstar, Stephen Curry. While Curry’s presence was pivotal, Jonathan Kuminga’s performance also stood out, prompting head coach Steve Kerr to emphasize his impact on the team’s success.
Kuminga has long been the Warriors’ X-factor—a player capable of elevating the team’s performance or struggling to find his fit within their system. Against the Pelicans, he posted 16 points in 23 minutes, leading all reserves while shooting 5-for-9 from the field. He also grabbed seven rebounds, his highest mark since returning from a severe ankle injury that sidelined him for over two months.
“Jonathan was good,” Kerr said postgame. “He gives us an attack to the rim. He got to the foul line eight times and rebounded well, so I thought he had a good night.” Kerr also highlighted Kuminga’s role in the pick-and-roll with Curry, a key offensive strategy that caused problems for the Pelicans’ defense.”
“The dive to the rim when JK sets that ball screen for Steph puts a lot of pressure on the defense,” Kerr explained. “That was really key tonight. The two of them connected on three or four plays like that, and it helped us a lot.”
Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors drives against the Houston Rockets during the second half of a quarterfinal game in the NBA Emirates Cup.
Curry’s return and his praise for Kuminga
Curry’s return was a game-changer, as the two-time MVP scored 23 points in 34 minutes after missing the previous two games due to a pelvic contusion. His 13-point surge in the second quarter, including three three-pointers, proved decisive on a night when the rest of the Warriors combined to shoot just 8-for-39 from deep (20.5%).
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Beyond his own performance, Curry made sure to acknowledge Kuminga’s growing importance to the team. “He’s a force when he gets in the paint, whether it’s on a mismatch or getting downhill,” Curry said. “If I can create some attention and get him in the pocket, he’s really improved at reading the angles and making the right decision. It’s something we need to utilize more, depending on matchups. I can get going off his pick-and-roll, or he can take over when he gets an advantage.”
Warriors eyeing a deep playoff run
With the playoffs approaching, expectations remain high for the Warriors, who have the potential to make a deep run in the postseason. The quartet of Kuminga, Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler gives Golden State a formidable core capable of thriving under playoff pressure.
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Postseason success often comes down to power versus power, and few players on the Warriors’ roster bring more explosiveness than Kuminga. While Kerr doesn’t need to overcomplicate things, maximizing Kuminga’s role and finding the best ways to utilize him in the final weeks of the NBA regular season could be the key to Golden State’s championship aspirations.
