Jonathan Kuminga Makes NBA Playoff History During Warriors’ Loss to Timberwolves

Golden State Warriors faced a narrow 97-102 defeat in Game 3 of the conference semifinals against the Timberwolves on Saturday night. However, Jonathan Kuminga stole the show with his career-high playoff performance in the loss. Minnesota delivered a fourth quarter surge to take a commanding 2-1 lead in the series.

Jonathan Kuminga’s role become crucial since the injury of Stephen Curry, who is going through a one-week recovery process after a left hamstring strain in Game 1. The 22-year-old forward finished the game with a playoff career-high 30 points, six rebounds and three assists off the bench. He provided a big support to Jimmy Butler, who led the Warriors with 33 points.

Also Read: NBA Playoffs Warriors vs. Timberwolves Game 3: Anthony Edwards’ Clutch Play and 4th Quarter Surge Helps Minnesota Take 2-1 Lead

Janathan Kuminga Creates Warriors History in His Playoff Career-High Performance

Jonathan Kuminga tallied 30 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks on 11-18 shooting from the field, 3-of-4 from three-point range, and 5-6 from the free-throw line. According to Stathead, the young forward became the first player in the playoffs history to reach these numbers as the reserved player.

During his best playoff outing, Kuminga also made the franchise history. He became the youngest player in Warriors history to score 30 or more points off the bench in a playoff game.

Jimmy Butler and Jonathan Kuminga combined for 30 of his team’s 42 first half points. During the Warriors’ dominant first-half, they missed all five of its 3-point tries. Kuminga scored 12 points and 2 blocks in the opening half. During the Wolves’ surge in the second half, the 22-year-old forwards contributed 18 points, including a final 3-point shot with 5 seconds left.

Kuminga was struggling to find a place in Steve Kerr’s lineup but Stephen Curry’s absence allowed him to increase his minutes. “JK played one of the best games of his life,” Steve Kerr applauded Kuminga during the post-game.

Even he got an appreciation from Butler in post-game. Jimmy Butler called Kuminga’s performance “a beautiful sight to see.” He said, “It’s a beautiful sight to see. Me and him can thrive together. He’s gonna be a huge part in us winning on Monday”

Also Read: NBA Playoffs Knicks vs. Celtics Game 3: Defending Champions Improve Their Offense to Pull Within 2-1 in Conference Semifinals

Image Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images