The anticipated return of Jonathan Kuminga to face his former team, the Golden State Warriors, on Thursday night at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, proved to be more about amicable reunions than on-court retribution. While many expected a motivated performance from the young forward, Kuminga finished with just 2 points on 1-of-9 shooting, adding 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 interception in 22 minutes of action as the Atlanta Hawks defeated the Warriors 126-110, extending their home winning streak to ten games.
The evening was defined by warm interactions between Kuminga and his former teammates and coaches, both before and after the contest. A post-game embrace between Kuminga and Warriors head coach Steve Kerr symbolized a closing of the chapter on what had become a strained relationship in the Bay Area.
“I appreciate Jonathan. We always got along,” Kerr said prior to the game, as reported by The New York Times. “It was on the basketball side of things where things got complicated. We couldn’t really give him what he needed, and vice versa. We were a team battling for a championship, and he needed a lot of freedom and 35 minutes to play, to make mistakes, to grow and learn, because he was coming in with very little experience. We simply couldn’t offer him that, period. We offered him what we could, 25 minutes and a role he didn’t like. And it was never comfortable for either party on the court. We had our share of basketball discussions where our opinions differed, but on a personal level, we all support him.”
Kuminga, alongside former Warriors teammate Buddy Hield, appeared to enjoy the “flashback” of facing his previous club. He took the opportunity to connect with players who had mentored him during his time in Golden State, including Stephen Curry, who watched from the bench in civilian clothes, and Draymond Green. The atmosphere was notably positive, a contrast to the circumstances surrounding his departure.
“It was like a normal game, I was just happy to see my old teammates,” Kuminga stated, according to a YouTube interview. “It was great. I was happy to see them. After the game, we were just old teammates showing affection, with a few hugs, talking, joking around. We missed each other. It had been a while since I’d seen them… I still talk to most of them. They’re like my brothers. I can call them anytime if I need something, and they can call me too if they need something, which says a lot. Our relationship is very strong.”
When asked to respond to Kerr’s comments regarding his role with the Warriors, Kuminga adopted a more reserved tone, hinting at lingering frustration. “Whatever they say, you grab it how you want, but I don’t dwell on the past. I’m here and I’m very happy. We’re doing a good job and our goal is to go as high as possible as a team, and that’s what I’m focused on. Whatever is said, it’s no longer my problem. I’m focused on the next chapter, trying to build something here with my teammates.”
| Jonathan Kuminga | Pourcentage | Rebonds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saison | Equipe | MJ | Min | Tirs | 3pts | LF | Off | Def | Tot | Pd | Fte | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2021-22 | GS | 70 | 16:56 | 51.3 | 33.6 | 68.4 | 0.8 | 2.6 | 3.3 | 0.9 | 2.1 | 0.4 | 1.1 | 0.3 | 9.3 |
| 2022-23 | GS | 67 | 20:48 | 52.5 | 37.0 | 65.2 | 1.0 | 2.4 | 3.4 | 1.9 | 2.3 | 0.6 | 1.4 | 0.5 | 9.9 |
| 2023-24 | GS | 74 | 26:20 | 52.9 | 32.1 | 74.6 | 1.2 | 3.6 | 4.8 | 2.2 | 2.3 | 0.7 | 1.6 | 0.5 | 16.1 |
| 2024-25 | GS | 47 | 24:20 | 45.4 | 30.5 | 66.8 | 1.2 | 3.4 | 4.6 | 2.2 | 1.9 | 0.8 | 1.5 | 0.4 | 15.3 |
| 2025-26 | ATL | 6 | 22:40 | 56.6 | 58.3 | 71.0 | 2.2 | 5.3 | 7.5 | 2.7 | 1.5 | 1.0 | 2.2 | 0.2 | 14.8 |
| 2025-26 | GS | 20 | 23:48 | 45.4 | 32.1 | 74.2 | 1.5 | 4.4 | 5.9 | 2.5 | 1.7 | 0.4 | 2.3 | 0.3 | 12.1 |
Comment lire les stats ? MJ = matches joués ; Min = Minutes ; Tirs = Tirs réussis / Tirs tentés ; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points tentés ; LF = lancers-francs réussis / lancers-francs tentés ; Off = rebond offensif ; Def= rebond défensif ; Tot = Total des rebonds ; Pd = passes décisives ; Fte : Fautes personnelles ; Int = Interceptions ; Bp = Balles perdues ; Ct : Contres ; Pts = Points.
The Atlanta Hawks will next face the Miami Heat on March 24th at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET (11:30 PM UTC). Kuminga and the Hawks will appear to continue their strong play as they push for a higher seed in the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
What did you think of Kuminga’s return to face the Warriors? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
