Jonathan Kuminga dominated dialog after the Golden State Warriors defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 119-109 of their season opener.
The younger ahead produced 17 factors, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists whereas capturing 66.7% from three-point vary.
That efficiency created perception amongst followers that Jonathan Kuminga efficiently proved his price following the prolonged contract saga throughout the offseason.
After the sport, Draymond Inexperienced appreciated Kuminga’s efficiency, notably his essential defensive rebounds late within the contest.
Stephen Curry additionally reacted positively to Kuminga’s effort, particularly his task guarding Luka Doncic all through the sport.
“I do know Luka acquired his numbers, however he [Kuminga] took the problem attempting to make him work for the whole lot, and it’s nice to have some extent of assault defender like that, that may once more take the problem. He’s going to proceed to get higher at that,” Curry acknowledged.
Whereas Doncic nonetheless scored 41 factors with 12 rebounds, Kuminga demonstrated constant hustle and proved able to defending opponents’ greatest gamers because the Warriors envisioned when creating him.
Kuminga recorded one steal and 6 defensive rebounds all through the sport, confirmed he might be an enormous assist for Warriors’ defensive side.
Curry additionally emphasised Kuminga’s full contribution past statistics, highlighting his effort performs and basketball intelligence.
“However these 50/50 balls, decisive performs. Particularly within the second half after we began to get the ball transferring. If he didn’t have something, he acquired off it. Ball got here again to him within the nook, he hit some massive threes, acquired to the lane, and the offensive rebound was enormous.”
“So, attempting to be in the correct place on the proper time and proceed to make impactful performs. Like all of us attempt to try this as a result of that’s what helps you win. And the extra he can try this, the extra he helps himself and assist us,” Curry defined.
Commerce hypothesis has surrounded Kuminga all through the offseason and into the season.
Nevertheless, if he maintains this two-way efficiency stage, offering offensive manufacturing whereas successfully defending opponents’ greatest gamers, the Warriors would possibly want retaining him as an necessary rotational piece.
