Kuminga Gets No Minutes in Warriors’ Crucial Loss to Clippers

San Francisco, CA — In a pivotal moment of the NBA season, Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr made a controversial decision, opting to bench Jonathan Kuminga entirely during a critical 124-119 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday. The defeat marked a significant turning point as the Warriors sought to secure a playoff spot with their season finale looming.

Kuminga, a key player for much of the season, sat out the entire game, which was filled with playoff implications. Kerr’s rotation plan included nine players but did not account for Kuminga as they prepared to square off against the Memphis Grizzlies in their next contest. This marked Kuminga’s first DNP of the season, a surprising move for a player once considered crucial to the Warriors’ success.

“When you get to these tight games, you tighten up your rotation and you play your guys. You go for it,” Kerr stated after the game. His comments highlighted the challenges the Warriors faced, particularly in light of the team’s offensive struggles in recent weeks since Kuminga’s return from a severe ankle sprain.

Kuminga’s fit alongside newly acquired star Jimmy Butler has raised concerns regarding lineup effectiveness. Despite averaging 21.1 points and 6.3 rebounds in 13 games before his injury, recent performances have faltered as he acclimates back to play alongside Butler. In 125 minutes shared on the floor, the duo has recorded a troubling -6.8 net rating.

With Butler logging 48 minutes against the Clippers, Kuminga’s chances of impacting the game effectively dwindled. Kerr admitted, “We just found a group since Jimmy got here that we’re pretty comfortable with,” while highlighting the effectiveness of players like Gary Payton II and Moses Moody in the current rotation.

Meanwhile, Kuminga’s last full game prior to the DNP was a remarkable 18-point, nine-rebound effort against the Lakers, marking a high point in his season. Sources indicated that Kuminga’s minutes have diminished as he struggles with shot selection and defensive assignments, key components of Kerr’s system.

Despite the setback, Kerr reassured that Kuminga’s absence from Sunday’s game does not mean he is out of the team’s plans moving forward. The Warriors continue to see potential in the young player, who is set to become a restricted free agent this summer.

Curry emphasized the importance of staying prepared, stating, “You never know when your moment will be there.” He also noted Kuminga’s ability to contribute when needed, especially given his history of strong performances against teams like the Lakers.

Kuminga’s future remains uncertain as the Warriors gear up for the play-in tournament and potentially the playoffs. His ability to overcome recent challenges will be critical if Golden State hopes to regain their championship form. With players like Butler dominating minutes, Kuminga must remain mentally focused to seize any opportunities that arise in the postseason.