What Jonathan Kuminga said to NBA insider explains his ejection from Golden State Warriors preseason game

Jonathan Kuminga tells NBA insider why he really got ejected from preseason game 

It appeared at first glance that when Kuminga drove through the hoop against the Blazers’ defense, Portland’s Kris Murray grabbed his right arm, and Jerami Grant hit his left wrist at the same time. That caused Kuminga to miss the layup.

But Kuminga explained to Warriors reporter Anthony Slater that he was frustrated about contact to his ankle. He clashed legs with Deni Avdija, who was reaching in from behind, causing him to stumble forward. 

Kuminga injured that ankle last season, which is why he reacted in such an emotional manner.

Slater posted to X, “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.”

Kuminga’s ankle injury last season was serious. He first sustained a sprain in January against the Memphis Grizzlies, and he reaggravated it in March. He was inactive for over two months last season as he recovered, before returning to play on March 18. 

With that said, it’s completely understandable why Kuminga would have such an emotional reaction to the lack of a whistle, in what is an important year for the 23-year-old. 

Jonathan Kuminga’s ejection ruined golden opportunity

Kuminga’s ejection was a huge shame for the forward, who was given a golden opportunity to prove himself in the preseason game.

Jimmy Butler was sidelined with an ankle injury, and Kerr decided not to play Draymond Green that night. That meant Kuminga had the chance to play big minutes alongside Stephen Curry. 

He had built a solid stat line before getting thrown out in the second quarter. Kuminga had 7 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists against the Trail Blazers. He has demonstrated an ability to be a playmaker for the Warriors, and did a good job in a supporting role in this game. 

Luckily, Kerr didn’t mind Kuminga’s ejection, which prevented their relationship from souring further before the season started.

If he can stay healthy this year, Kuminga can be a key, young piece for this team at long last. The Warriors have the oldest projected starting five in the NBA. Butler, Green, Curry and Al Horford look to manage their minutes in what they hope will be a long season.

That will allow Kuminga to be the consistent piece threaded throughout their lineups, as one of the young, talented players on the team. Again, that makes his reaction to a potential injury all the more understandable.