Kuminga plays like star Warriors need despite loss to Pacers

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Kuminga plays like star Warriors need despite loss to Pacers originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO – There was a lot of buzz surrounding Jonathan Kuminga’s performance in the Warriors’ loss to the Indiana Pacers on Monday at Chase Center.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr and Golden State teammates Stephen Curry and Trayce Jackson-Davis were quick to laud Kuminga after the 6-foot-7 forward came off the bench and dominated the Pacers to the tune of 26 points, eight rebounds and four assists.

It was, in many ways, the prototypical Kuminga game. A little bit of everything mixed in with a spice of aggression and nastiness that often left the Pacers swiping at air.

“He was probably the best player out there in the sense of attacking [and] being decisive,” Curry said. “He was getting downhill, putting pressure on the rim, doing the things that only he can do.

“We love energetic, confident JK. He can change the game for us like he did.”

It was a different tune two days earlier when Kerr criticized Kuminga for taking hurried shots and not looking for Curry enough. Kerr addressed the issue again before Monday’s game, then watched as Kuminga played arguably his best game of the 2024-25 NBA season.

“This is the JK we want,” Kerr said. “Spent a lot of time in the paint, took care of the ball, had a couple really nice passes. This is a great example of how JK needs to play. Really proud of him for coming out and playing that way. He’s getting better and it’s fun to watch his development.”

What has made Kuminga’s development impressive this season is that he hasn’t had a clearly defined role with the Warriors. He started the first three games of the season, then went to the bench for three weeks. In December, Kuminga has started six games and come off the bench in three others.

Kuminga said he has become accustomed to the changes and tries to remain the same type of player whether he’s starting or not, although he admits it hasn’t been all easy.

“I’m used to things like that at this point in my career,” Kuminga said. “Can’t put my head down and not go out there and play hard….

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/kuminga-plays-star-warriors-despite-071940302.html

Author : NBC Sports BayArea

Publish date : 2024-12-24 07:19:00

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