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Steve Kerr Makes Major Jonathan Kuminga Statement After Warriors-Timberwolves Game 3

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Nathaniel Holloway | Last updated May 11, 2025 1:13 AM ET

Game 3 between the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves was a crucial one for both sides as they entered the series tied at a game apiece.

Of course, the Warriors were able to steal Game 1 of the series on the road before suffering a blowout loss to the Timberwolves in Game 2.

Golden State then entered Saturday’s contest at home looking to regain control of the series, but they were unable to do so after Minnesota made a comeback in the fourth quarter to take a 2-1 series lead.

This was a disappointing result for the Warriors, especially after they were able to carry a lead into the fourth quarter behind another incredible performance from Jimmy Butler, who stepped up huge with Stephen Curry still sidelined due to a hamstring strain.

Butler was not the only Warrior to step up on Saturday, though, as Jonathan Kuminga also put together one of the best games of his career.

Kuminga finished the game with 30 points, six rebounds and three assists in 36 minutes off the bench, becoming the youngest player in Warriors history to score 30 or more points in a playoff game off the bench.

After Game 3, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr made a major statement about Kuminga due to his historic performance.

“JK played one of the best games of his life,” Kerr said about Kuminga following the Warriors loss to the Timberwolves in Game 3 on Saturday.

"JK played one of the best games of his life." ️

Steve Kerr had high praise for Kuminga, who dropped 30 PTS off the bench pic.twitter.com/Feew1weqjs
— NBA TV (@NBATV) May 11, 2025

This is high praise from Kerr and Kuminga rightfully deserved it after he did everything in his power to try and help the Warriors grab a crucial victory, despite them falling short.

Of course, Kerr elected to bench Kuminga during the final game of the regular season and that has continued into the playoffs but with Curry injured, Kerr has chosen to move Kuminga back into the rotation.

That was a great move by the veteran head coach as Kuminga put together one of the best performances of his career and has likely played his way back into a permanent position in the rotation for the foreseeable future.

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

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