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Golden State Warriors: Steve Kerr Makes 1 Shocking Jonathan Kuminga Admission
Golden State Warriors: Steve Kerr's 8-Word Reaction Sums Up Their Horrific Performance in Game 5 Vs. Houston Rockets 3 Apr 28, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Houston Rockets forward/guard Dillon Brooks (9) and Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) during the second quarter of game four of the 2025 NBA Playoffs first round at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

Looking at the overall picture, the Golden State Warriors have done a marvelous job in turning what was supposed to be a wasted season into a postseason appearance. Jimmy Butler takes a huge chunk of the credit, with his presence being the primary reason for the team’s incredible run in the second half of the season.

It seemed like the Warriors were on their way to complete an incredible upset against the third-seed Houston Rockets. However, the team suddenly saw their 3-1 advantage shrink as Houston managed to claw their way back and force a Game 7 in Houston.

There are multiple reasons behind the team’s struggles, but it’s clear that the Warriors need to change something in their game plan if they want to make the next round.

Defensive adjustments will surely be made, but Steve Kerr may be open to making a change that will surprise Warriors fans.

Steve Kerr is open to giving Jonathan Kuminga more time ahead of the Golden State Warriors’ Game 7 contest vs. Houston


Golden State Warriors: Steve Kerr Makes 1 Shocking Jonathan Kuminga Admission 2 Apr 11, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) drives to the basket during the second half against as he is fouled by Portland Trail Blazers forward Jabari Walker (34) at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Steve Kerr recently revealed—as reported by The Athletic’s Anthony Slater—that he’s open to giving Jonathan Kuminga more minutes in the all-important Game 7 against the Houston Rockets. Given how the series has gone for the Warriors, putting Kuminga in is a good option for them.

Kuminga’s stats during the two games he played for the Warriors show his viability as an option. He finished with 9.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists on 37% FG and 40% 3FG.

While he isn’t the most efficient player on the Warriors’ bench, Heavy Sports’ Keith Watkins explained that Kuminga’s frame should bring some energy in a Warriors roster that has stuck with small-ball lineups for much of the series:

He hasn’t been a consistent part of the rotation since Kerr leaned into smaller lineups late in the regular season, and he’s been benched entirely in Games 5 and 6. But he might be exactly the kind of high-energy disruptor this series suddenly demands.

In a Game 7 on the road, sometimes it’s not about experience—it’s about fresh legs, hunger, and chaos.

If the Warriors can knock the Rockets out in seven games thanks to Kuminga, his value in Golden State and elsewhere should skyrocket. For a player who had to deal with persistent trade rumors throughout the season, Game 7 might be his final chance to make an impact for the Warriors in his career.


Golden State Warriors: Steve Kerr Makes 1 Shocking Jonathan Kuminga Admission 3 Apr 23, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) shoots the ball during the second quarter during game two of the first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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