Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Jonathan Kuminga's Immediate Reaction to Exciting Hawks Debut

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rolly Gacelo | Last updated Feb 25, 2026 3:20 AM ET

Jonathan Kuminga's stint with the Atlanta Hawks is off to a stellar start, as he recorded a season-high 27 points, seven rebounds and four assists to lead his new team to a win over the Washington Wizards.

The athletic forward joined the Hawks through a trade that saw him and Buddy Hield get sent to the Eastern Conference team by the Golden State Warriors in exchange for Kristaps Porzingis.

This season has not been ideal for Kuminga, who received numerous DNPs from Steve Kerr. The Warriors coach went public many times about how unfortunate it is that he couldn't insert their 2021 seventh overall pick into the rotation despite his talent.

Atlanta Hawks forward Jonathan Kuminga reads the next play versus the Washington WizardsDale Zanine-Imagn Images

Kuminga had played just two games since January due to a left knee bone bruise. That talent Kerr talked about was on full display on Tuesday, as the player scored in a variety of ways. He shot three of four from the three-point line and finished the night with an efficient 75 percent shooting overall.

His debut is statistically the best in Hawks history, according to reporter Marc Spears.

New Hawks forward Jonathan Kuminga had a season-high 27 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals in his debut. No Hawk had ever finished a debut with the team with 25+ points in fewer than 30 minutes. Kuminga played 24 minutes in tonight's win. pic.twitter.com/nyEVt1hH8k
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) February 25, 2026

Jonathan Kuminga SHINES in Hawks debut

27 points
9-12 shooting
3-4 from deep
7 rebounds
4 assists
2 steals pic.twitter.com/Qg1WOObVad
— NBA (@NBA) February 25, 2026

Kuminga was all smiles after his return to the court after a long lay-off.

"I don't know what to tell you. I'm just excited to get out there, get this dub. As man wins that we can collect. That's all that matters. It don't matter who go crazy. As long as we play for each other and get that dub, that's all that matters."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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