Warriors' Steve Kerr Reacts to Jonathan Kuminga's Ejection in Preseason Game

One of the talking points of Tuesday’s contest centered on Kuminga, who finished with seven points, six rebounds and four assists in 18 minutes of action. However, it wasn’t the fifth-year forward’s performance that had him grabbing headlines after the game.

Kuminga was ejected in the final seconds of the second quarter. He was assessed with two quick technical fouls for arguing with the officials. This was the 23-year-old’s first career ejection, and the fact that it happened in a preseason game indicates that Kuminga had to be very upset about something to get himself tossed.

According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, Kuminga revealed after the game that he was incensed by how the referees did not call a foul after his right ankle was clipped/tripped from behind as he drove to the basket. It was the same ankle that he injured last season, costing him 31 consecutive games on the sidelines.  

Kerr was asked about Kuminga’s ejection after the game, and the veteran coach gave his player his full support. Instead of calling out Kuminga’s behavior, Kerr decided to praise the 6-foot-8 forward.

“He got fouled,” Kerr claimed. “It was a frustration play. I have no problem with it. He deserved the foul. He was getting fouled quite a bit. It was a physical game. … I love the way he played. I love the fire. The passion. I don’t mind the ejection at all. I kind of liked it, actually.”

Not only did Kerr commend Kuminga’s effort in the game, but the Warriors coach also made it clear that he 100% agrees with how the former seventh-overall pick reacted to the missed call.  

Kuminga, who signed a two-year, $46.8 million extension with the Warriors in the offseason, appreciated his coach’s support, saying that “it means a lot.” He also said postgame that "the game has slowed down so much” for him and that at this point, he’s “just playing at my own pace."