Atlanta Hawks forward Jonathan Kuminga. Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Jonathan Kuminga responds to Warriors question after explosive Hawks debut

By Yagya Bhargava | Last updated Feb 25, 2026 8:58 AM ET

Jonathan Kuminga spent the tail end of his time with the Golden State Warriors glued to the bench. His debut with the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday told a different story.

Kuminga came out and delivered in a 119-98 win over the Washington Wizards, putting together the kind of performance that made people remember why he was a lottery pick.

He attacked the rim hard, finished through contact and knocked down shots from three-point range. By the time the night was over, he had season-high 27 points.

It was a far cry from how things went under Steve Kerr. Golden State took Kuminga seventh overall in 2021, but he never quite earned the consistent role he was looking for.

When reporters asked if the big night was meant to send a message to his old team, he brushed it off.

"Everybody have their own opinions and minds. I really don't pay attention to whatever anybody say. At the end of the day, we're trying to win as many games as we can here. That's my main focus."

Tuesday's game was his first action since Jan. 23, when he was still suiting up for the Warriors.

Right before that, Kerr had worked him back into the lineup following more than a month on the bench with several DNPs.

Kuminga only managed two appearances before a bone bruise in his knee ended his run. The Hawks acquired him shortly after in a deal before the trade deadline.

Yagya Bhargava

Yagya Bhargava began his professional journey as a chef, but his passion for sports eventually led him into sports journalism. He started writing in 2022 and has since published more than 5,000 articles covering the NFL and NBA. Along the way, he’s worked with outlets like The Cold Wire, Sportskeeda, The SportsRush, and The Big Lead

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