Drafted in 2021 as the 7th overall, Jonathan Kuminga still polarizes the fans with his performances. At times, he produces incredible phases of play but then goes missing. Coach Steve Kerr didn’t play him for the first game, but he finally started in Game 2 during the Rockets’ drubbing of the Warriors with a 109-94 scoreline.
As the Warriors started Game 1 with a victory, it didn’t look like they missed the power forward’s services. In fact, Steve Kerr benched Kuminga for the last three games. It’s interesting, as the dynamics changed after Jimmy Butler arrived on the team. But things went south for the player.
Jonathan Kuminga vs. Rockets: Game 2 Stats
| Minutes | Points | Rebounds | Assists | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26:04 | 11 | 3 | 2 | 33.3 | 40.0 |
Kuminga vs. Rockets: How Did the Star Perform in Game 2?
Making his first start in the playoffs, Kuminga provided a spark in the Warriors’ loss to the Rockets. He played 26 minutes, putting in a good shift with some valuable minutes. He scored 11 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists, but couldn’t muster up a win.
Although his FG% was 33.3, he had a good shooting performance from beyond the arc, knocking down 2-5 three-pointers in the game.
Thus, the series shifts to San Francisco for Games 3 and 4, as the Warriors hope to gain a two-game advantage over the Rockets. Kuminga could come in handy for the next two games, considering his recent performances for the Rockets.
Steve Kerr Raises Kuminga’s Spirits With a Motivating Message
Despite Kerr not playing Kuminga, his head coach, Kerr, lauded the player’s talents, hoping to get him on the floor when he gets fit. He stated before the game, “Jonathan [Kuminga] has been fantastic. His attitude, his energy on the bench, cheering guys on, staying ready. He’s a great, great young guy. This has been tough on him, but he’s doing exactly what he should be doing, which is staying ready.”
The player averages 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists this season and logs 24.3 minutes. He’s a key aspect of the Warriors and their play, but those minutes have taken a hit after Butler’s arrival. But Kerr explained how things “change in a heartbeat in the NBA.”
He wants Kuminga to maintain his fitness and make a difference when he’s called upon. Kerr continued, “When you’re in a good groove, you just keep doing what you’re doing, and then you adjust as you go.”
Jonathan Kuminga vs. Rockets: Head-to-Head Career Stats
In the 13 matchups he played against the Rockets, Kuminga averaged 10.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 13 games. But if you look at +/- of 2.4, he managed that in 19.5 minutes.
Kuminga makes his difference, and some pundits consider him a solid two-way player. His robust frame makes him easily move to the lane, bullying defenders and making some good shots.
His best scoring game came on Dec. 5 last year, when he scored 33 points in a blistering performance.
Kuminga’s last 10 Games vs. Rockets:
- Nov 20, 2022 – 2 pts, 2 rebs, 2 asts
- Dec 3, 2022 – 3 pts, 1 rebs, 1 asts
- Feb 24, 2023 – 7 pts, 4 rebs, 4 asts
- Mar 20, 2023 – 17 pts, 3 rebs, 4 asts
- Oct 29, 2023 – 9 pts, 2 rebs, 1 asts
- Nov 20, 2023 – 7 pts, 3 rebs, 1 asts
- Nov 2, 2024 – 23 pts, 6 rebs, 1 asts
- Dec 5, 2024 – 33 pts, 7 rebs, 2 asts
- Dec 11, 2024 – 20 pts, 7 rebs, 1 asts
- Apr 6, 2025 – 9 pts, 7 rebs, 3 asts
