Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga Fined $35,000 for Confrontation With Official
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The NBA has fined Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga $35,000 for making inappropriate contact with and aggressively pursuing referee Rodney Mott after a non-call during a preseason game in Portland on Tuesday night.
Kuminga, 23, was ejected with seven seconds remaining in the second quarter of the Warriors’ exhibition victory over the Trail Blazers. The forward reacted after stumbling on a drive when Portland’s Deni Avdija inadvertently stepped on Kuminga’s right ankle—the same ankle he injured severely last season. Upset that no foul was called, Kuminga confronted Mott and was seen clapping in the official’s face before being tossed.
Coach Backs Player’s Fire
Head coach Steve Kerr said he approved of Kuminga’s intensity. “He got fouled. It was a frustration play. I have no problem with it,” Kerr told reporters, noting that the game had been physical and Kuminga “was getting fouled quite a bit.” Kerr acknowledged the ejection was expected once the forward approached Mott so directly.
Contract Situation
Kuminga rejoined Golden State earlier this month on a two-year, $46.8 million contract that includes a team option for the 2026-27 season and a waiver of his no-trade clause. He arrived at training camp a few days late following a lengthy offseason negotiation.
In Tuesday’s contest, Kuminga finished with seven points, six rebounds, and four assists before the ejection, drawing praise from Kerr for his energy, rebounding, and overall activity.
The Warriors open the 2025-26 regular season on Oct. 21 against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Source: Basketball Insiders
