Kuminga’s versatility, veteran minutes plan headline Warriors’ opening-night win
warriors-opening-night-kuminga-butler-curry-green
Jonathan Kuminga quieted offseason doubts about his role by delivering 17 points, nine rebounds and six assists in the Golden State Warriors’ 123-115 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday, October 21. The fourth-year forward, whose career averages entering the night were 4.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists, said he arrived intent on “finding ways to help the team beyond scoring.”
Kuminga’s most explosive stretch came in the third quarter, when he poured in 13 points and knocked down three three-pointers. Postgame chatter among teammates, however, centered on his late fourth-quarter offensive rebound that set up Stephen Curry’s clinching jumper. “Those are game-winning plays,” Draymond Green said. “When you ask for opportunity, you have to deliver.”
Coaching staff sees growth
Head coach Steve Kerr credited the 23-year-old’s maturity and cited veteran Jimmy Butler’s guidance during training camp. “He has a better understanding of what we need,” Kerr said, adding that Butler has regularly pulled Kuminga aside after practices to talk.
Managing Curry, Butler and Green
Kerr told reporters he will watch minutes more closely this season after team performance chief Rick Celebrini linked Curry’s heavy first-round workload last spring to the hamstring injury that followed in Round 2. The internal target is to cap Curry, Butler and Green at roughly 34 minutes per game.
Trade chatter remains quiet
Although league observers continue to list Kuminga as a potential in-season trade piece, few appealing names are expected to become available. One that persists, according to team sources, is Pelicans wing Trey Murphy III, but New Orleans has shown no interest in moving the recently extended sharpshooter.
Butler’s immediate impact
Butler, acquired over the summer, debuted with a game-high 31 points, underscoring the extra scoring threat created by Curry’s gravity. “Everybody pays attention to Steph,” Butler said. “I got the easy job.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
