Kuminga’s Absence in High-Stakes Game

The Warriors’ planned rotation for Sunday’s game featured no minutes for Jonathan Kuminga, marking his first DNP of the season during an important matchup against the Clippers, which ended in a 124-119 overtime loss. This game was crucial as it determined their entry into the play-in round against the Grizzlies.

Context of the Decision

Warriors coach Steve Kerr had hinted at this decision in his public statements, mentioning that the team’s offensive performance had been inconsistent since Kuminga returned from a significant ankle injury. His integration into certain lineups, particularly with star Jimmy Butler, has been challenging, and in games with high stakes, each minute is critical.

Kerr’s Strategy

“In tight games, you tighten your rotation and rely on your key players,” Kerr said after the game. This mentality was reflected as Butler played the entire 48 minutes of the game, while other key players like Brandin Podziemski and Steph Curry also logged significant time on the court.

Selection of Players

In this pivotal match against the Clippers, Kerr relied on a select group of nine players, excluding Kuminga and Gui Santos, who had been performing well lately. Kerr acknowledged, “We’ve developed a group that we trust since Jimmy joined us.”

Kuminga’s Performance and Future

As the seventh pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Kuminga chose not to comment on his DNP. Prior to this game, he had been showcasing impressive skills and averaging 21.1 points per game after recovering from injury. Despite this, his time on the court has diminished due to recurring issues with shot selection and defensive mistakes when playing with Butler.

Team Dynamics

While Butler thrived against the Clippers, scoring 30 points, Kuminga faces competition for minutes due to Butler’s capability of playing extensive minutes. The Warriors lost the game not solely because of Kuminga’s absence; turnovers and defensive lapses also played significant roles in the defeat.

Looking Ahead

Even with speculation around his role, both Kerr and Curry have expressed the importance of Kuminga’s contributions moving forward, especially against more athletic teams. Curry emphasized that young players must be prepared for unexpected opportunities, highlighting Kuminga’s need to stay mentally engaged. After the game, Kuminga was seen working out on the court, demonstrating his commitment to improve despite recent challenges.