San Francisco – Jonathan Kuminga delivered another stellar performance for his second consecutive game, propelling the Warriors to a crucial victory and snapping their three-game skid. Golden State edged out the Phoenix Suns 109-105 in a much-needed win. Kuminga notched a career-high 34 points for the second straight game, showcasing his growing dominance.
“I just think he’s turning a corner,” said Warriors head coach Steve Kerr. “I think he’s seeing the pictures well. He made a play late in the game where he swung the ball to Draymond (Green) and immediately pinned in for Steph (Curry), and Steph got a three. Those are the types of plays that if he makes and he’s doing what he’s doing, getting downhill, getting fouled, getting to the rim. Now the mix, the blend of Steph, Draymond, JK, now it starts to really get powerful.”
Golden State has faced significant struggles this month, compounded by a challenging schedule against top teams from the Western and Eastern Conferences. Kerr’s frequent lineup adjustments, including integrating new addition Dennis Schroder, have made it difficult for the team to establish consistent chemistry.
“It’s an important stretch for us for sure,” Kerr said postgame. “We’ve kind of come back from that hot start. We’ve cooled off considerably, and we’re kind of back in the pack again. You look at it big-picture, we’re only a couple of games out from being in the fourth or fifth seed. So we’re not in a bad spot at all. Our defense has to help our offense.”
Outstanding defense, something the Warriors have struggled with recently, made a triumphant return tonight and proved to be the key in disrupting the Suns’ offense down the stretch. Tracye Jackson-Davis anchored the effort with 10 rebounds and 4 blocks, while Draymond Green contributed 8 rebounds. Stephen Curry added his usual spark on offense, scoring 22 points and dishing out 6 assists to help secure the win.
Jackson-Davis recorded a season-high 16 points (previous high: 15, achieved three times), marking his fifth consecutive game scoring in double figures. He also notched his second double-double of the season (eighth of his career) and tied his career high with four blocks, a feat he has accomplished five times.
Green scored 16 points in the first half, marking his highest-scoring half of the season. He connected on three 3-pointers, the sixth time he has hit that mark this year. Green returned to action after missing the previous game against the Clippers due to a left low back contusion, his fourth missed game of the season.
“One of the most talented guys on this team by far, and it’s good to see him playing the way he’s playing,” Green said on Kuminga’s performance. “We just need him to stay that aggressive. When he’s on the court, we’re going to feature him, and it’s on him to do the rest, and he’s doing it, and he’s more than capable, and he’ll continue to get better, and he’ll continue to do more.”
Kuminga became the first Warriors player since Cazzie Russell in 1974 to score at least 30 points off the bench in two consecutive games. Russell achieved this with 35 points on March 15, 1974, against the Lakers and 34 points on March 16, 1974, also against the Lakers, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. The last NBA player to accomplish this feat as a reserve (without starting in between games) was Chicago’s Coby White, who did so in three consecutive games from February 22-25, 2020.
Kuminga also tallied 12 free throw attempts tonight, following a career-high 14 trips to the line in last night’s game against the Clippers. He became the first Warriors player to record at least 12 free throw attempts in two consecutive games as a reserve since Corey Maggette.
Kuminga was all over the floor tonight, Kerr, who noted earlier that despite coming off the bench, Kuminga would still see starter-level minutes. Green also delivered one of his best performances, effectively commanding the floor and creating space for Curry to shine. When Golden State locks in defensively, it’s a rare and thrilling sight—especially when their dominance is complemented by sharp shooting from beyond the arc.
“I feel like it’s just the natural process,” said Kuminga. “Everybody in the organization is playing a big part in it, helping me throughout every situation, including my coaches, Steve (Kerr), and my teammates. Like they all say, you know, if you play great, they always look at that. They don’t see when you just play normal and just try to win, but I feel like I’ve just been trying to win, that’s all.”
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