With Draymond Green and Otto Porter Jr. out, Steve Kerr opted to give Golden State Warriors rookie Jonathan Kuminga a spot in the starting lineup against Julius Randle and the New York Knicks on Thursday at Chase Center.
Despite the Warriors’ late comeback falling short, Kuminga managed to tally double-figures in scoring for his fifth consecutive game.
With an increased role, Kuminga notched 17 points on 5-of-8 shooting from the field with five boards, an assist, a steal and a block in 36 minutes.
Via @NBCSWarriors on Twitter:
🌪️ Kuminga 🌪️ pic.twitter.com/aFvx7FTeSE
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) February 11, 2022
Just lob it up for Kuminga 😳 pic.twitter.com/98JdDqLmJM
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) February 11, 2022
Although he didn’t record a signature highlight-reel dunk, the 19-year-old showed off his shooting with a pair of 3-pointers on three attempts from beyond the arc.
JK has tonight's first points 👏 pic.twitter.com/v2Qzhgw05N
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) February 11, 2022
Over the last five games, the No. 7 overall pick from the 2021 NBA draft is averaging 16.4 points on 56.6% shooting from the floor with 4.2 boards and 2.2 assists in 27.4 minutes per contest.
If Kuminga continues to play at this level, Kerr will have no choice but to play the young forward more minutes as the Warriors approach the All-Star break.
