Warriors Forward Jonathan Kuminga Fined $35,000 for Contact With Official
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NEW YORK — The NBA has levied a $35,000 fine against Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga for making inappropriate contact with, and repeatedly pursuing, a game official during Tuesday night’s preseason victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.
The incident occurred with seven seconds left in the second quarter at Moda Center. After missing a layup, Kuminga—frustrated by the absence of a foul call—approached referee Rodney Mott, clapped in his face and continued the confrontation. Mott immediately assessed a technical foul and ejected the 23-year-old forward.
Kuminga’s anger stemmed from a play moments earlier in which Portland’s Deni Avdija accidentally stepped on the same right ankle Kuminga severely injured last season. The forward later told reporters the contact triggered a painful flashback but noted he felt “fine” after the game.
Head coach Steve Kerr said he understood Kuminga’s frustration. “He got fouled. It was a physical game,” Kerr stated. “I loved the fire and passion. You can’t get in the referee’s face—that’s an automatic ejection—but I actually liked the aggression he showed.”
The ejection was the first of Kuminga’s NBA career. Before departing, he recorded seven points, six rebounds and four assists.
Earlier this month, Kuminga ended a protracted contract standoff by signing a two-year, $46.8 million deal that includes a 2026-27 team option and a waived no-trade clause.
Golden State concludes preseason play before opening the 2025-26 regular season against the Los Angeles Lakers on Oct. 21.
Source: Basketball Insiders
