Golden State Warriors News

Home

Quizzes

Watch

Newsletter

Oct 5, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (1) dribbles upcourt against the Los Angeles Lakers in the third quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images David Gonzales-Imagn Images

Jonathan Kuminga Responds To Fiery Ejection in Warriors-Trail Blazers Game

Originally posted on Golden State Warriors on SI
By Logan Struck | Last updated Oct 15, 2025 11:23 AM ET

The Golden State Warriors have won three of their first four preseason games in 2025, most recently taking down the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night. In the win over Portland, Warriors superstar Steph Curry was incredible, dropping a game-high 28 points with six rebounds and five assists in 27 minutes.

Curry did get some help on Tuesday night, but it was not from who anybody would have expected. Rookie Will Richard and sophomore Quentin Post were the Warriors' next two top scorers, and the first-year guard was especially impressive in his first career start.

However, Curry and the Warriors got an underwhelming amount of help from a few other players, including standout forward Jonathan Kuminga, who was ejected at the end of the second quarter.

Jonathan Kuminga has been ejected for apparently making contact with the official after not getting a foul call

(h/t @Sudharsan_ak)pic.twitter.com/uZ1IRfFsPF
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) October 15, 2025

Kuminga apparently made contact with the official while complaining about a missed foul call, which resulted in an immediate ejection.

Kuminga responds to the ejection

After the game, Kuminga talked about the ejection, saying that he did not need an explanation for the referee's decision to kick him out of Tuesday's contest (via Sam Gordon).

Kuminga also explained to ESPN's Anthony Slater why he blew up on the referee, saying that Portland's Deni Avdija tripped him from behind and the referees did not call it, as Avdija clipped the same ankle that he had hurt badly last season. The incident gave Kuminga a "concerning flashback," which resulted in him taking his frustrations out on the referee.

Jonathan Kuminga told me the aspect of the no-call that set him off (and led to his first career ejection) was the trip/clip of his right ankle from behind. Same ankle he badly injured last season. Gave him a concerning flashback. Was hurting a bit postgame but said he's fine. pic.twitter.com/uLqjqGRlI3
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) October 15, 2025

Kuminga said that his ankle was hurting a bit after the game, but that he is fine.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr also showed support for Kuminga after the game, saying, "He got fouled. It was a frustration play. I have no problem with it... I don’t mind the ejection at all. I kind of liked it, actually.”

Kuminga responded to Kerr's comments, saying that "it means a lot" for the coach to show some support after his first career ejection.

Kuminga said he didn't need an explanation for his ejection. Appreciated Kerr's postgame support, noting "it means a lot." Feels like he's in a good rhythm with his game: "The game has slowed down so much. I'm seeing everything. I'm just playing at my own pace."
— Sam Gordon (@BySamGordon) October 15, 2025

Kuminga finished his night with seven points, six rebounds, and four assists on 3-5 shooting from the field in 18 minutes of action. The 23-year-old forward ended the game early due to the ejection, but he was still impressed with himself.

After the game, Kuminga said, "The game has slowed down so much. I'm seeing everything. I'm just playing at my own pace."

Kerr also praised Kuminga's play on Tuesday night despite the ejection, saying, "That's the JK who can really help our team. I love the way he played. I love the fire, the passion... I thought JK was terrific tonight."

This article first appeared on Golden State Warriors on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: