Jonathan Kuminga and Zena Keita (Image Credit: Warriors on NBCS/X)
The Golden State Warriors secured a 124-106 victory in their recent game against the New Orleans Pelicans. This match marked the first game of the 2024-25 NBA season without their star player, Stephen Curry, who suffered a left ankle sprain during a previous game against the Los Angeles Clippers. Coach Steve Kerr made some adjustments to the starting lineup, notably excluding Jonathan Kuminga.
Kerr’s decision surprised NBA fans, especially since Kuminga had started the last three games of the new season. While many were curious about the head coach’s choice, Kuminga recently broke his silence in an interview.
It’s just the game of basketball. At the end of the day, we always got to stay professional. That’s all we do. Just come out here every day and play. Because that’s what we choose to do every day, no matter what circumstance, no matter what’s happening. Got to come here and be professional and play the game of basketball, the game that you love and go home. It’s that simple.” Kuminga said in the post-game interview with NBC Sports reporter Zena Keita.
Although he was not in the starting lineup, the forward had an impressive performance off the bench. Kuminga scored 17 points, three assists, and three rebounds in 28 minutes of play.
Kerr Clarifies His Choice To Exclude Kuminga From The Starting Lineup
Steve Kerr has been in the spotlight recently due to his controversial decisions. During the 2024 Paris Olympics, the Team USA head coach benched Jayson Tatum in a crucial game against Serbia. This decision resulted in heavy criticism from fans, mainly because Tatum is the 2024 NBA Champion. To address potential criticism again, Kerr explained his decision regarding Kuminga in a recent post-game interview.
“Without Steph and Wiggs, I didn’t want to start Trayce [Jackson-Davis], Draymond [Green] and JK. I wanted a little more spacing. I knew it would be a JK game... this is just about combinations and getting a bit more spacing on the floor to start.” Kerr said in a recent interview with Kendra Andrews of ESPN.
With Curry sidelined for multiple games due to injury, fans are anticipating a significant performance from Kuminga.
