How Kuminga’s return puts Warriors in experimental mode

[ad_1]

How Kuminga’s return puts Warriors in experimental mode originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO – Jimmy Butler III has played 13 games with the Warriors, none with Jonathan Kuminga. Quinten Post has appeared in 27 NBA games, all with the Warriors, none with Kuminga. Change is expected Thursday night, when the young forward returns after a 68-day absence.

The Warriors hope nothing else changes Thursday night at Chase Center, when they face the Sacramento Kings with an opportunity to extend their winning streak to a season-high six games.

Yet they realize this could test the chemistry they’ve created with the arrival of Butler in Kuminga’s absence. Reintegrating Kuminga will affect rotations that have thrived because Butler’s assimilation has been relatively seamless.

Now comes a new and different dimension. Kuminga is Golden State’s most athletically dynamic player. Harmonizing with Butler, particularly when Stephen Curry and Draymond Green are involved, could involve some trial and error.

Coach Steve Kerr conceded as much after Kuminga, who will be listed as “probable,” participated in a 5-on-5 scrimmage on Wednesday.

“It’s something that we’re for sure going to try; we have to,” Kerr said. “It obviously has potential to be a dynamic lineup at both ends.

“But we also don’t want to disrupt the rhythm that we’re in right now, the groove we’re in. Every game is crucial at this point in the season. It just has to be a process of getting a feel for each game. We’ll get to that combination at some point, but I can’t tell you now when that will be.”

Golden State is 12-1 with Butler in the lineup, with players and coaches praising his ability to “connect the game” on offense and defense. The Warriors climbed from 18th in offensive rating before acquiring Butler to fifth since. They were 10th in defensive rating before Butler, and are third since.

When a team improves without one of its most productive players, reintegration can be delicate and must be managed very skillfully.

It’s particularly crucial considering Kuminga was playing the best basketball of his…

[ad_2]
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/article/kumingas-return-puts-warriors-experimental-161338387.html

Author : NBC Sports BayArea

Publish date : 2025-03-12 16:13:00

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.