Jonathan Kuminga is emerging as a genuine X-Factor for the Golden State Warriors in their second-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. On Saturday, May 10, Kuminga impressed for Steve Kerr’s team. The explosive forward ended the night with 30 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists while coming off the bench. He shot 11-of-18 from the field and got to the line for six shots.
When speaking to the media after the game, Jimmy Butler praised Kuminga’s performance and reiterated his belief that the two forwards can thrive together on the court. Butler had said something similar following the Warriors May 8 loss to Minnesota.
“Shooting the ball when he’s open, attacking into the free throw line,” Butler said on Saturday. “It’s a beautiful sight to see. But like I tell everybody, me and him can thrive together. I know how to space the floor. You know, I can tell him, hey, when I have the ball, you go here and you do this. And we talk, we listen to one another. And then he has an incredible game like tonight. And he did so many good things out there on the floor. And I know that he’s going to be a huge part of us winning on Monday.”
Kuminga had struggled to nail down a spot in Steve Kerr’s rotation during the early parts of the postseason. However, Stephen Curry’s injury has given Kuminga an opportunity to impress, and he’s clearly making the most of his chances.
Golden State will have a tough decision to make this summer. Kuminga is heading for unrestricted free agency. Performances like the one on Saturday will surely drive his value up around the league. As such, the Warriors must decide how important Kuminga is to the team’s future. For now, though, his remit will be helping Golden State win its next game and force the series to go as deep as possible, in the hope Curry can return for game six or seven.
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