Jonathan Kuminga delivered one of the highlights of the playoffs early in Tuesday’s Game 5 road clash against the New York Knicks.
While the Atlanta Hawks forward’s overall first-half performance was a roller-coaster ride, his eye-popping dunk sent the NBA world into a frenzy.
Jonathan Kuminga Soars for Gravity-Defying Alley-Oop Finish
Though Kuminga has had an up-and-down series in the first-round Eastern Conference showdown, his offensive spark off the bench proved vital in Atlanta’s two wins. The high-flying reserve averaged 20.0 points per game across the Hawks’ narrow Game 2 and Game 3 victories.
While Tuesday was a different story early, Kuminga still managed to go viral for an electrifying first-quarter dunk.
As the Hawks brought the ball past midcourt, trailing 23-16, star forward Jalen Johnson was doubled at the logo before finding veteran guard Gabe Vincent at the top of the key.
Vincent took one dribble and promptly lobbed the ball up to Kuminga, who levitated over Knicks big man Mitchell Robinson and guard Miles McBride for an emphatic one-handed slam with 3:46 left in the opening period.
KUMINGA WAY UP pic.twitter.com/h36eeRzXTp
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) April 29, 2026
The replay showed Kuminga’s head at rim level as he evaded Robinson’s shot contest midair, leaving the NBA community on X buzzing.
“Jonathan Kuminga’s head was literally above the rim. 🤯 Insane,” Hoop Central reacted, adding, “THIS IS ABSURD” on an ensuing replay clip.
Jonathan Kuminga’s head was literally above the rim. 🤯
Insane
pic.twitter.com/dfHORwR4Ml https://t.co/ZuJoZlixaz
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) April 29, 2026
“THIS ANGLE OF KUMINGA’S LOB DUNK IS INSANE. OH MY. 🤯,” Legion Hoops exclaimed.
THIS ANGLE OF KUMINGA’S LOB DUNK IS INSANE. OH MY. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/aA2EtNpBCg
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) April 29, 2026
“Did Kuminga’s head hit the shot clock on that alley-oop?” NBA personality Rob Perez asked.
Did Kuminga’s head hit the shot clock on that alley-oop?
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) April 29, 2026
“Kuminga just finished one of the wildest lobs I’ve ever seen wtf,” Los Angeles Clippers reporter Justin W asserted.
Kuminga just finished one of the wildest lobs I’ve ever seen wtf
— Justin W (@LAClippersFilm) April 29, 2026
“HOLY S**T, HOW IN THE WORLD DID KUMINGA CAUGHT THIS PASS??” NBA personality Italo Santana questioned.
HOLY SHIT, HOW IN THE WORLD DID KUMINGA CAUGHT THIS PASS?? pic.twitter.com/7yyeTHgoEi
— Italo Santana (@BulletClubIta) April 29, 2026
However, Kuminga’s early contributions were not without their warts. Aside from throwing down a couple of dunks and converting a nice turnaround jumper, he committed an offensive foul and forced some looks offensively.
Kuminga was also taken advantage of on defense by the likes of Robinson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and OG Anunoby.
I’m all for creative matchups but putting Kuminga on KAT has been a nightmare for the Hawks pic.twitter.com/VfxiOI26Il
— BBALLBREAKDOWN (@bballbreakdown) April 29, 2026
The Hawks were outscored 35-22 in the first quarter and 64-48 by halftime, forcing them to play from behind all night with the series lead up for grabs after splitting the first four contests.
