The Golden State Warriors are navigating unfamiliar territory. With Stephen Curry sidelined due to injury, their on-court identity has shifted—sometimes chaotically. Head coach Steve Kerr has had to rely on younger names like Jonathan Kuminga and Trayce Jackson-Davis to keep the offense afloat, but the results have been anything but consistent. Kuminga, once viewed as a promising core piece, is now under scrutiny, both for his play style and his future with the franchise. And as the Warriors look ahead, tension between star power and team chemistry has taken center stage.
Golden State Warriors’ playoff hopes take a hit as Steve Kerr benches Jonathan Kuminga over Stephen Curry snub
When Stephen Curry went down late in the 2024–25 season, the Golden State Warriors turned to their depth for answers. Jonathan Kuminga, who had started the season on a high note, looked poised to be a breakout name. But his offensive approach soon raised red flags within the coaching staff, particularly with Steve Kerr.
According to a report by ‘The Ringer’s’ Logan Murdock, Kerr was visibly frustrated during a late-season matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers. “Despite his talent, Kuminga’s propensity to look for his shot at the expense of the flow of Golden State’s offense has irked the coaching staff,” Murdock reported. The situation escalated when Kuminga, on multiple possessions, looked off Curry to create his offense. “Team sources say Kerr was incensed after several instances in which Kuminga looked off Curry,” Murdock added.
That game became a turning point. Kuminga was benched in the regular-season finale against the Clippers and again during the play-in matchup with the Grizzlies. This all unfolded at a time when Kuminga was eligible for an extension, adding further uncertainty to his place in Golden State’s plans. As Murdock reported, “By the start of the playoffs, many within the organization wondered whether Kuminga... had played his last game as a Warrior.”
The situation took another twist when Jimmy Butler, a midseason acquisition, sustained an injury alongside Curry. With both stars out, Kuminga found himself thrust back into a leading role. He responded with a 30-point outing in Game 3 against the Timberwolves. However, Golden State still trailed 3-1 in the series, and the scoring burst wasn’t enough to change their fortunes.
Also Read: Fans raise questions as NBA fines Draymond Green $50,000 for sideline comment about game officials
Jonathan Kuminga’s talent has never been in doubt, but in the Warriors’ system, playing in sync with Steph Curry is non-negotiable. When and where it matters most—during late-season games and critical playoff matchups—his tendency to prioritize his offense over team flow became a problem. Now, with Curry’s return uncertain and Golden State’s playoff hopes fading, Kuminga’s future in San Francisco appears equally murky. He may one day be a team’s primary scoring option, but unless he adapts his game to fit within the Warriors’ collective framework, that opportunity may have to come elsewhere.
Golden State Warriors’ playoff hopes take a hit as Steve Kerr benches Jonathan Kuminga over Stephen Curry snub
When Stephen Curry went down late in the 2024–25 season, the Golden State Warriors turned to their depth for answers. Jonathan Kuminga, who had started the season on a high note, looked poised to be a breakout name. But his offensive approach soon raised red flags within the coaching staff, particularly with Steve Kerr.
According to a report by ‘The Ringer’s’ Logan Murdock, Kerr was visibly frustrated during a late-season matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers. “Despite his talent, Kuminga’s propensity to look for his shot at the expense of the flow of Golden State’s offense has irked the coaching staff,” Murdock reported. The situation escalated when Kuminga, on multiple possessions, looked off Curry to create his offense. “Team sources say Kerr was incensed after several instances in which Kuminga looked off Curry,” Murdock added.
That game became a turning point. Kuminga was benched in the regular-season finale against the Clippers and again during the play-in matchup with the Grizzlies. This all unfolded at a time when Kuminga was eligible for an extension, adding further uncertainty to his place in Golden State’s plans. As Murdock reported, “By the start of the playoffs, many within the organization wondered whether Kuminga... had played his last game as a Warrior.”
Steve Kerr reportedly had an issue with Jonathan Kuminga looking off Steph Curry at times during games, per @loganmmurdock
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 14, 2025
“Despite his talent, Kuminga’s propensity to look for his shot at the expense of the flow of Golden State’s offense has irked the coaching staff. During a… pic.twitter.com/4h642hy3bi
The situation took another twist when Jimmy Butler, a midseason acquisition, sustained an injury alongside Curry. With both stars out, Kuminga found himself thrust back into a leading role. He responded with a 30-point outing in Game 3 against the Timberwolves. However, Golden State still trailed 3-1 in the series, and the scoring burst wasn’t enough to change their fortunes.
Also Read: Fans raise questions as NBA fines Draymond Green $50,000 for sideline comment about game officials
Jonathan Kuminga’s talent has never been in doubt, but in the Warriors’ system, playing in sync with Steph Curry is non-negotiable. When and where it matters most—during late-season games and critical playoff matchups—his tendency to prioritize his offense over team flow became a problem. Now, with Curry’s return uncertain and Golden State’s playoff hopes fading, Kuminga’s future in San Francisco appears equally murky. He may one day be a team’s primary scoring option, but unless he adapts his game to fit within the Warriors’ collective framework, that opportunity may have to come elsewhere.
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