The Golden State Warriors expected Jonathan Kuminga to show growth this preseason, but during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers, the 23-year-old forward earned his first-ever ejection. So what happened?
The youngster was thrown out after making contact with a sideline official, an incident that surprised both fans and coaches considering his reputation for having a composed and cool approach to the game.
Kuminga’s reaction stood out precisely because it was so uncharacteristic and reports later revealed that his frustration stemmed from more than just a missed call, according to The Athletic’s Anthony Slater.
“Jonathan Kuminga told me the aspect of the no-call that set him off,” Slater wrote. “(And led to his first career ejection) was the trip/clip of his right ankle from behind.
“Same ankle he badly injured last season. Gave him a concerning flashback.”
Steve Kerr stands behind Jonathan Kuminga despite Portland ejection
That detail added crucial context to what initially appeared to be an impulsive moment of anger as the right ankle sprain he suffered last season disrupted what had been his most promising stretch as a Warrior.
His momentum was halted just as he was carving out a steady role in Steve Kerr’s rotation and by the time he returned, Golden State’s lineup had shifted, with newly acquired Jimmy Butler absorbing many of Kuminga’s potential minutes.
For a player still solidifying his place in the league, the sight of another scare to the same ankle likely triggered deep concern. Following the game, Kuminga acknowledged the lingering discomfort.
“It was hurting a bit postgame,” Jonathan said, reassuring reporters that the issue wasn’t serious before the team confirmed that he remains available for the Warriors’ final preseason matchup.
The episode, however, provided a window into Kuminga’s mindset-one driven by urgency and a determination not to lose ground again and Steve Kerr’s reaction was unexpectedly supportive.
“I have no problem with it,” Kerr said. “I mean he deserved the foul. He was getting fouled quite a bit. It was a physical game.
“And the way he ran on that play, that activity that he played with, the rebounding.
“He had six boards in one half, 17 minutes. That’s the JK that can really help our team.”
The Warriors head coach, who has long valued competitiveness in his locker room, viewed Kuminga’s fire as a positive sign rather than a disciplinary concern – something the team can take into the NBA season.
Having seen Draymond Green’s combustible style elevate team energy, Kerr appeared to recognize a similar spark in the young forward, one that could benefit the side.
In his 17 minutes on the floor, Kuminga recorded seven points, four assists, and six rebounds, contributing across the board before his ejection.
His effort level and willingness to attack both ends of the court hinted at the kind of all-around play the Warriors have been seeking from him.
For now, the lesson from Portland seems clear: Kuminga’s emotional reaction wasn’t about frustration with officiating-it was about fear of regression and a reminder of how fragile opportunity can be in the NBA.
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