Steve Kerr's Message to Jonathan Kuminga After Ejection in Warriors-Trail Blazers

Steve Kerr had his player's back Wednesday night.

Even in the preseason, tempers can flare — Jonathan Kuminga was proof Late in the first half of the exhibition between the Golden State Warriors and Portland Trail Blazers, Kuminga was ejected after a heated exchange with an official over a supposed missed call.

Kuminga, frustrated after a drive to the rim went uncalled, walked toward the referee and clapped in his face, which was grounds for an immediate ejection without a prior technical. Kerr quickly stepped in to protest, but his pleas fell flat.

Jonathan Kuminga told me the aspect of the no-call that set him off (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. Was hurting a bit postgame but said he's fine. pic.twitter.com/uLqjqGRlI3
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) October 15, 2025

Kuminga Ejected vs. Trail Blazers

Replays painted a clearer picture of Kuminga’s anger. On the play in question, Kris Murray appeared to grab his right forearm while Jerami Grant came down across his left wrist, which certainly could have warranted a whistle.

Perhaps it explained Kerr's surprising support.

“I don’t mind the ejection at all," the coach said. "I kind of liked it, actually.”

Steve Kerr on Jonathan Kuminga: “I don’t mind the ejection at all. I kinda liked it, actually.”

Mentioned his six first half rebounds and floor-running: “That’s the JK that can really help our team.” pic.twitter.com/NvG4LlIy3Y
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) October 15, 2025

Upon elaborating, Kerr explained that Kuminga's passion on the call in question sent a larger message than just his disdain over the foul.

“That’s the J.K. that can really help our team," he said.

Prior to his ejection, Kuminga tallied seven points, six rebounds and four assists.

May 14, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) drives to the basket against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half during game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. | Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

Last season, the forward averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 points, and 2.2 assists on 45 percent shooting from the field — all figures just below his career highs from Year 3. Kuminga's role was diminished upon Butler's arrival, which spurred the widening margin of interests between the forward and the Warriors.

Kuminga saw himself continuing to develop into an All-Star; Golden State sees him as a utility piece to add depth behind Butler, Curry and Green.

"We've got powerful leadership in the locker room," Kerr said upon his re-signing. "I’ve known J.K. for four years now. He’s not the guy to come in and tear a team down ... I’m not worried about anything.”

As far as Kuminga is concerned, he has the support of his teammates and his coach. Wednesday night was simply the latest example.

"It means a lot," Kuminga said of Kerr's message in the locker room. "The game has slowed down so much. I'm seeing everything. I'm just playing at my own pace."

Kuminga Ejected vs. Trail Blazers

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