Jonathan Kuminga wasn’t originally part of Steve Kerr‘s rotation for the Golden State Warriors win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday (Dec. 6.) Kerr had opted to give Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody some additional playing time, leaving Kuminga on the outside of the rotation looking in.
However, with the Trail Blazers leading the game, Kerr opted to inject Kuminga into the rotation, and the results quickly followed. The athletic forward changed the game’s dynamic and has widely been credited for galvanizing Golden State’s comeback win. Following the contest, Kuminga shared his thoughts on being out of the rotation heading into the night.
“I was just chilling on the bench,” Kuminga said. “I was just being a good teammate and bringing the energy up in my teammate’s play and encouraging them…I feel like I’ve been playing good. It’s a deep team. You don’t know what’s going to happen. Just be happy for everyone playing good out there, and that’s what I was out there doing. I was happy for how everyone was playing, Moses, BP, and the rest of the guys.”
Kuminga has flashed solid improvements to begin the new season. He’s defending at a higher level and has enjoyed some good moments on the offensive end, too. The third-year forward has participated in 20 games for the Warriors so far this season, averaging 11.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, and an assist. He’s shooting 46.8% from the field and 25% from 3-point range.
JK was asked if he was surprised when he learned he wouldn't be part of the initial rotation tonight ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/OjQ4FmKtz8
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) December 7, 2023
Following his impressive showing against Portland, it will be interesting to see whether Kerr includes him in the rotation for Golden State’s upcoming game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday (Dec. 9.)
