Jonathan Kuminga Breaks Silence on Lack of Minutes in Warriors-Rockets

Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga got honest about his limited opportunity against the Houston Rockets

Nov 22, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) brings the ball up court against the New Orleans Pelicans during second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images | Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

When the Golden State Warriors traded for six-time NBA All-Star Jimmy Butler and the team started thriving, many fans were excited about the thought of them playing this well despite not being at full strength.

Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga missed 31 consecutive games with an ankle sprain in the middle of the season, and Golden State did not see him on the court alongside Butler until over a month after the blockbuster trade. However, his return was severely underwhelming.

In 15 games after returning from his injury, Kuminga averaged just 12.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per contest with 44.1/17.1/74.2 shooting splits.

Apr 9, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) dribbles upcourt against the San Antonio Spurs in the second period at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images | David Gonzales-Imagn Images

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr ultimately decided to bench Kuminga, as he received a DNP-Coach's Decision in the regular season finale, play-in tournament, and playoff opener. On Wednesday night in Game 2 against the Houston Rockets, Butler left the contest early due to injury, making way for an opportunity for Kuminga.

In 26 minutes in Wednesday's loss, Kuminga dropped 11 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists on 4-12 shooting from the field and 2-5 from beyond the arc.

The Warriors are 0-3 when Kuminga plays 20+ minutes in the playoffs. pic.twitter.com/MIlgs5cWHL

— StatMuse (@statmuse) April 24, 2025

After the game, Kuminga talked about finally getting an opportunity after logging zero minutes for three consecutive games.

"You gotta stay ready," Kuminga said. "It is tough [to get DNPs]. For any player it's gonna be tough, but what am I gonna do about it? You just gotta stay ready. Whenever your moment happens, it's going to happen... I just try to stay ready and not really think about why I'm not playing."

Kuminga says “no matter what circumstances I’m in, always got to stay ready.” Said it’s been tough not playing the previous three games, but “whenever your moment happens, it’s going to happen.”

Says he tries not to think about why he’s not playing.

Extended thoughts: pic.twitter.com/xousVCHIg9

— Sam Gordon (@BySamGordon) April 24, 2025

Kuminga said it "felt great" to play on Wednesday, even though he did not expect to suit up. The 22-year-old forward may not be playing the best basketball of his career since returning from his long absence, but his mentality is ideal, and he is certainly putting in the work to get back into form.