Stephen Curry issued a strong statement on Jonathan Kuminga after the Golden State Warriors lost to the Denver Nuggets on Christmas.
Curry said Kuminga gives the Warriors a huge boost on both sides of the ball.
“He gives us a huge boost,” Curry said of Kuminga after the Warriors-Nuggets game. “We talk about it a lot. He applies pressure to the rim. Knocks down open shots. Defensively, he’s understanding where he’s supposed to be, how to guard on and off the ball. He just plays at a different pace that’s fun to watch. He gives us a lot. … We’re starting to find chemistry of where to get him the ball, how he can attack and him being able to use his athleticism and his ability to play one-on-one when necessary. But also can play that Warriors basketball, read-and-react stuff. He’s gotten a lot better at that, too, so he gives us a lot.”
Kuminga finished with 13 points, five rebounds and two assists against the Nuggets in 23 minutes while shooting 4-of-8 from the field and 5-of-8 from the free-throw line. The swingman has started the last seven games for the Warriors.
“Yeah, I am a difference-maker,” Kuminga said after the Warriors fell to the Nuggets. “I know I am. But it’s not up to me to do certain things. How can I say it? It’s not up to me to control my minutes. I feel like I’ve done that. But the last voice ain’t mine. And it’s not easy because I know how to score the basketball. I know how to pass. I know how to do different things on the floor. But it’s about putting all that together. With the people we have on the floor, it’s just tough to put it all together. I’m trying to figure out how to manage that.”
The Warriors are 15-15 on the season. They are in 10th place in the Western Conference standings. Kuminga is averaging 12.5 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists, while Curry is putting up 27.9 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game.
The Warriors are 5-1 over their last six games. They will look to get back in the win column on Thursday against the Miami Heat.
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