Warriors vs Blazers: Why Was Jonathan Kuminga Ejected?

And that’s where things get interesting.

Kuminga’s talent has never been the issue. His athleticism and defensive upside are elite. But for Golden State, it’s about fit and maturity. In an offense built around Stephen Curry’s movement and Kerr’s ball-sharing principles, young players who act before they think tend to get benched. Kuminga’s ejection felt like a flare of passion, but also a reminder that emotional control will define whether he becomes a cornerstone or a trade chip.

Statistically, he’s trending upward.

Last season, Kuminga averaged 15.3 points and 4.6 rebounds on 30.5% shooting from three. That’s not world-beating, but it’s solid growth from a player still carving his identity. The question is: can he convert flashes into consistency? His preseason so far, minus the ejection, had shown glimpses of that. Though when Kuminga exited, Golden State trailed 61–56 at halftime.

Jonathan Kuminga and his way forward in the Golden State

Portland controlled the paint, but the Warriors clawed back behind a vintage Curry stretch with 28 points and a statement reminder that age hasn’t dulled his fire. Yet the focus post-game wasn’t on Curry’s performance or the comeback win. It was on Kuminga, again.

There’s irony in that. The preseason was supposed to calm the noise around him. Instead, it amplified it.

Kuminga’s situation mirrors the delicate balance Golden State is trying to maintain. They’re a team that’s seen dynastic highs but now stands at a crossroads. With Draymond Green sidelined and younger players like Brandin Podziemski and Trayce Jackson-Davis making cases for more minutes, the pressure on Kuminga to be more than just potential has never been higher. That’s why his ejection matters.

It’s not about the call itself, but about the optics. The Warriors need composure. They need a player who can stay locked in when the whistle doesn’t go his way. Because come regular season, the leash gets shorter, and the stakes skyrocket.

Still, there’s a silver lining. Kuminga’s fire is part of what makes him special. He doesn’t float through games. That emotion, when channeled right, is fuel.

It’s what turns raw athleticism into a game-changing presence. And Golden State, for all its experience, could use that jolt. The Warriors wrap up their preseason on Friday, October 17, against the Clippers, where all eyes will be on how Kuminga responds. Will he rein in the emotion and let his game speak?

Or will the tension of a looming trade window and the weight of expectation creep back in? For now, Jonathan Kuminga’s story in Golden State is far from written. Tuesday night might’ve been a setback, but it was also a snapshot of the passion that keeps him relevant in a franchise built on patience and precision.

The next chapter depends on how quickly he learns that in the NBA, control isn’t just about your handle, but also about where your head is at.