Image Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

Warriors Forward Jonathan Kuminga Fined $35,000 for Inappropriate Contact with Game Official

Kuminga was fined for his actions during Tuesday's win over the Trail Blazers.

Image Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

Golden State Forward Jonathan Kuminga was fined $35,000 for his actions during the preseason game against the Portland Trail Blazers. According to the official statement released by the NBA, Kuminga made an “inappropriate contact with and continuing to pursue a game official.” The incident took place during the Warriors’ 118-111 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday, where Kuminga received his career’s first ejection following a clash with referee Rodney Mott.

With less than seven seconds remaining in the second quarter, Kuminga, while driving to the basket, missed a layup after contact from two Portland defenders, including a clip on the same ankle which he badly injured last season. He missed the layup and immediately went to the nearby official, Mott, and clapped in his face. The official ended up ejecting him, and two days later, the NBA announced another punishment for the youngster.

The NBA has fined Jonathan Kuminga $35,000 for “making inappropriate contact with and continuing to pursue a game official.” Happened late in the first half in Portland the other night after Kuminga was upset about a no-call and his ankle getting clipped. https://t.co/ocLiJQluNn
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) October 16, 2025

According to an official statement released by the league on Thursday, “Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga has been fined $35,000 for making inappropriate contact with and continuing to pursue a game official, it was announced today by James Jones, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations.”

Notably, Kuminga, 23, signed a $48.5 million, two-year contract with the Warriors last month. In the previous season, he averaged 15.3 points and 4.6 rebounds, through 47 games including 10 starts.

Steve Kerr Reacts to Jonathan Kuminga’s Fine and Ejection

Following the Warriors’ third victory in the postseason, head coach Steve Kerr reacted to Kuminga’s fine in the post-game conference. Kerr told the reporters that he didn’t mind the ejection, and in fact liked it. “I don’t mind the ejection at all. I kinda liked it, actually.” Kerr added, “He got fouled, it was a frustrating play. I have no problem with it, he deserved the foul. He was getting fouled quite a bit. It was a physical game.”

“I wasn’t surprised he got ejected because he kind of got right in Mott’s face. You can’t do that. They are going to eject you if you do that.” Further heaping praise on Kuminga, the Dubs coach said, “The way he ran on play, the activity he played with, the rebounding….that’s JK who can really help our team. I loved the way he played. I love the fire, the passion, I don’t mind ejection at all.”

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

The young forward has shown some improved playmaking this preseason. At the time of ejection on Tuesday, he had seven points, six rebounds, and four assists. The Dubs will now be in action against the Los Angeles Clippers in their last preseason game on Friday, October 17.

Jonathan Kuminga

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.