The Warriors lost to the Timberwolves 117-93 in Game 2 of their second-round playoff matchup, struggling to get much going offensively without point guard Stephen Curry (hamstring). However, one player who did his part was oft-maligned forward Jonathan Kuminga.
Minnesota got out to an early lead, and it looked like Game 2 was theirs from the jump. Golden State battled back, cutting the lead to seven in the third quarter. Kuminga played a big part in that, starting 8-for-8 from the field while taking advantage of his newfound opportunity.
It ended up not mattering with the Timberwolves coming away with the 24-point win to tie the series at 1-1 as the action goes to the Bay, but Kuminga looks like he is officially out of Steve Kerr’s doghouse.
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Here’s a look at Kuminga’s stats and highlights from Game 2, while also re-visiting his various benchings throughout the regular season and playoffs.
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Jonathan Kuminga stats Game 2 vs. Wolves
- Minutes: 26
- Points: 18
- Rebounds: 5
- Assists: 1
- Turnovers: 2
- FG: 8-11
- 3FG: 1-3
- FT: 1-4
Jonathan Kuminga highlights Game 2 vs. Wolves
JONATHAN
KUMINGA
💪💪💪💪📺 @NBAonTNT pic.twitter.com/iZQlSG8Dp8
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) May 9, 2025
The Jonathan Kuminga SLAM and the Jimmy Butler TRIPLE cuts the deficit to just 12 points 👀
The Warriors aren’t going away just yet…pic.twitter.com/MfBAZLfiUr
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 9, 2025
Jonathan Kuminga with the corner 3, and he is 8/8 from the field now. pic.twitter.com/XGQ9P5746H
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) May 9, 2025
When asked about his standout performance in the loss, Kuminga discussed how it felt like he got his confidence back.
Jonathan Kuminga: “I feel like the confidence just came back.” pic.twitter.com/L8vp1t0Vug
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) May 9, 2025
Why was Jonathan Kuminga benched?
Kuminga has been benched several times by the Warriors throughout the season. He started the first few games of the year, but after underperforming, he started coming off the bench. Then, in December he was benched again. Following a midseason loss, head coach Steve Kerr had some comments regarding his players’ decision-making and shot selection. While he didn’t specifically name names, it was evident that he was talking about Kuminga.
Kerr was asked about his comments, and if they were directed at the young forward. He said that he talked to not only Kuminga but also Brandin Podziemski. The head coach had more pointed comments about Kuminga, though.
“He’s elite at the rim, he’s elite getting fouled, so we want him attacking the rim. There’s a time and place for every shot, and so if it’s the middle of the shot clock, it’s not a great shot. If it’s end of the shot clock and we’ve been trying to get a better shot and nothing’s there, he’s one of the few guys who’s capable of creating an open look for himself.”
Even with the acquisition of Jimmy Butler, Kuminga still found late-season spurts where he was in the starting lineup. With the playoffs on the horizon, Kerr benched Kuminga in the regular season finale.
“Jonathan [Kuminga] has been fantastic. His attitude, his energy on the bench, cheering guys on, staying ready. He’s a great, great young guy. This has been tough on him, but he’s doing exactly what he should be doing, which is staying ready.
I’ve told him, and our coaches have… pic.twitter.com/FaDrCK9423
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) April 23, 2025
Kuminga played in three of the seven games vs. Houston in the first round, mostly during blowouts. He then played 13 minutes in Game 1 vs. Minnesota, scoring seven points. Finally, in Game 2, he was able to have a solid performance when the team was without Stephen Curry, even though the Warriors still lost. After the game, Kerr said that Kuminga “was really good…his athleticism was important.”
He will be needed more than ever now, and he’ll have to keep building on this performance to stay on the court.
