TITLE: Kerr Shifts Warriors’ Starters, Pulls Jonathan Kuminga Ahead of Spurs Matchup
SLUG: kerr-removes-kuminga-from-warriors-starting-lineup
CONTENT:
November 12, 2025 — Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr introduced a new starting five Wednesday night in San Antonio, leaving forward Jonathan Kuminga on the bench for the first time this season.
Kuminga had opened the Warriors’ first 12 games and was publicly assured of a “full-time” starting role by Kerr two weeks ago. A 2-5 stretch and a six-game road losing skid changed that plan. Golden State halted the slide with a win over the Spurs, but four road dates remain: a rematch in San Antonio on Friday, followed by games in New Orleans, Orlando and Miami.
“It’s pretty obvious we’ve been a little clunky lately,” Kerr said before tip-off. “There are points in a season when you have to make changes.”
The revised lineup featured rookie guard Will Richard alongside Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody. It marked Richard’s second career start; the first-year wing had appeared in 10 games, averaging 10.0 points while shooting 58.6% from the floor and 43.8% beyond the arc.
Green, after Tuesday’s 24-point loss in Oklahoma City, criticized “personal agendas” he felt were hindering team focus. He named no player, but the remarks were widely viewed as a veiled reference to Kuminga, who spent the offseason seeking more minutes and a larger offensive role during contract talks.
Despite the shake-up, Kuminga’s production as a starter has been solid: 14.9 points and a team-best 6.8 rebounds per game on 48.9% shooting, including 33.3% from three. Lineups pairing Kuminga and Curry have posted positive net ratings — plus-10.8 points per 100 possessions with Butler, Green and Brandin Podziemski, and plus-13.7 with Butler, Green and Quinten Post.
Kerr emphasized that the decision was about overall chemistry, not assigning blame. “It’s never any one individual’s fault,” he said. “The goal is to get the best out of everyone so the collective is stronger.”
Source: HoopsRumors
