Jonathan Kuminga’s Atlanta Hawks journey so far has been thoroughly impressive, even if the sample size is a mere three games. The forward who was finally dealt by the Golden State Warriors appears to have hit his straps with his new team.
Kuminga made the headlines for his second 20-point performance in three games, and his two-way play contributed to the Hawks’ three consecutive wins since his debut.
Paul Pierce Praises Jonathan Kuminga’s Impact
Speaking on the No Fouls Given podcast, former NBA star Paul Pierce explained why Kuminga and the Hawks have seen success after the dramatic trade.
“Well, I think he fits their system,” the former Boston Celtics superstar said. If you look at the Atlanta Hawks’ identity as a team that wants to create turnovers, get out and run, use their youth and athleticism.”
“If they can do that, which they have been doing with him, he looks great. Where he struggles times maybe in a half-court, but if you make it a running game and you got Kuminga out there in transition, he’s a perfect fit for them,” he added.
The Hawks are one of the youngest teams in the league, and that has served them well with their pacy, explosive style of play. Head coach Quin Snyder’s creativity on offense has seen the side drop 120+ points in their last two games, along with Kuminga’s scoring bursts.
The young forward scored 20 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and dished out three assists against the Portland Trail Blazers. Before that, it was a 17-point outing with nine rebounds and three assists against the Washington Wizards.
In his three games with the Hawks, Kuminga is averaging 21.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game while shooting 45.4% from the field and 32.1% from deep. This season, he averages 13.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists while shooting 48.4% from the field and 35.5% from the 3-point line.
Kuminga balling out with the Hawks also comes as welcome news for a side gunning to make the playoffs this season. They have missed the postseason for the last two seasons and made the Conference Finals during the 2020-21 season.
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Their 135-101 win over the Blazers now has them 10th in the East and gunning for a play-in spot. Should Kuminga continue excelling for the team with his two-way play, the young side with their current 31-31 record might just see a major surge in the business end of the regular season.
Up next, Kuminga and the Hawks play the Milwaukee Bucks on the road on Wednesday (Mar. 4) before returning home for a five-game stand starting against the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday (Mar. 7)
