Jonathan Kuminga’s 27-point burst powers Hawks past Wizards in debut
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ATLANTA — Newly acquired forward Jonathan Kuminga delivered 27 points off the bench Tuesday night, helping the Atlanta Hawks defeat the Washington Wizards 119-98 at State Farm Arena.
The 23-year-old, obtained at the trade deadline in a deal that sent center Kristaps Porzingis to the Golden State Warriors, added seven rebounds, four assists and two steals in 24½ minutes. His scoring total marked a season high.
Kuminga entered midway through the first quarter and immediately energized Atlanta with a fast-break dunk and a corner three-pointer. He assumed a larger role after All-Star forward Jalen Johnson exited early with a hip flexor injury and did not return.
“It was great,” Kuminga said. “I was excited to be out there with the guys.”
Head coach Quin Snyder praised the newcomer’s poise. “He connected with his teammates and let the game come to him,” Snyder said.
Kuminga missed Atlanta’s first six games following the All-Star break while recovering from a left knee bone bruise sustained in his final weeks with Golden State. Drafted seventh overall in 2021, he averaged 12.1 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists as a starter early this season but had appeared in only seven of the Warriors’ last 38 contests before requesting a trade.
Despite limited playing time, Warriors coach Steve Kerr previously dismissed any off-court concerns surrounding the forward from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
“Everybody has an opinion,” Kuminga said when asked about his former team. “We’re trying to win as many games as we can here. That’s my main focus.”
Buddy Hield, who arrived with Kuminga in the deadline deal, scored 11 points for Atlanta. Washington fell to 12-46 with the loss.
Source: ESPN
