Game 1 hasn’t even tipped yet, but if you close your eyes, you can already hear sneakers squeaking and Draymond barking. Warriors vs. Rockets might be a first-round matchup on paper, but the vibes? Very much second-round beef.

This isn’t your typical 6-seed vs. 3-seed matchup. No, this matchup is steeped in bad blood, bruised egos, and a history spicy enough to fill a TNT halftime segment. Remember April 6? Yeah, the Rockets pulled up to Chase Center, slapped Steph with a three-point game (yep, three), and strutted off like they paid rent there. Golden State’s been holding onto that L like it’s a family heirloom.

Now, the NBA’s youthful Houston Rockets face off against the seasoned Golden State Warriors, a team rich in championship experience. One team’s sprinting, the other’s scheming, and both are one flagrant foul away from a handshake turning into a headlock. Respect? Minimal. Tension? Thick.

And if that April embarrassment didn’t light a fire under the Dubs, Draymond Green definitely brought the matches. “We like to be the underdog, baby,” he smirked. He grinned like someone who just picked up his 8th tech of the season. But here’s the kicker—this team’s healthy. Steph’s locked in. Jimmy Butler’s ready to cause problems. Wiggins is floating. Gary Payton II’s lurking. Since Jimmy Butler’s arrival, the Warriors have achieved a 15-5 record with a +9.5 net rating, second only to the Nuggets. No injuries, no excuses—just revenge mode fully activated.

What’s Up With Jonathan Kuminga?

Jonathan Kuminga’s name has been causing a stir in Warriors circles, and for good reason. Despite showing promise all season, he’s been missing from the lineup for the last two games, not due to injury, but due to the coach’s decision. It’s raised some serious eyebrows and got fans wondering what’s really going on.

Kuminga has been a key piece for Golden State, averaging 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game this season. His shooting splits—45.4% from the field, 30.5% from three, and 66.8% from the line—might not scream “superstar,” but he’s been solid. He’s still young, still developing, and capable of offering energy and versatility on both ends of the floor. So, why the benching, especially heading into the playoffs? Is this just a matchup issue, or is there more to it?

The situation has taken a twist off the court, too. Tim Kawakami from The San Francisco Standard reported that Jonathan Kuminga’s future with the Warriors is looking more uncertain than ever. “The likely situation is [Kuminga]’s not going to be on the Warriors next season,” Kawakami said, hinting that a return is unlikely. With all the talk about his playing time, there’s now a looming question about his contract and whether he’ll even be around long enough to contribute in the postseason.

Despite the uncertainties surrounding his future, Kuminga’s talent is undeniable. But the Warriors’ decision to keep him on the sidelines raises bigger questions about his role and where he fits in the team’s plans moving forward. Stay tuned—this story is far from over.

Draymond Calls the Shots: Will Kuminga Step Up in the Playoffs?

Draymond Green didn’t sidestep the conversation when asked about Kuminga’s playoff role. The full exchange? A bit more layered than the one-liner. When asked if Kuminga would play a big part in the Houston series, Draymond replied, “He’ll contribute. The challenge for him is to stay mentally engaged. This is the playoffs. Every possession matters, and you’ve got to be locked in whether you’re playing five minutes or thirty.”

That’s the vet throwing down the gauntlet. It’s not about whether JK can hoop—everyone knows he can. It’s about whether he’s locked in for 48, even when he’s not getting touches. Because when the game speeds up, the lights get brighter, and matchups get surgical, the Warriors need him not just ready, but relentless.

He might not be the loudest name on the roster, but Jonathan Kuminga could be the stealth factor in this series. The Rockets want to run, and JK’s one of the only guys on Golden State who can lace ‘em up and actually chase down those transition buckets. That bounce, that length, that switch-ability—it’s tailor-made for this kind of matchup.

Houston’s coming in with turbo boosters strapped to their backs. They want to turn this into a track meet. But Golden State’s got experience, brains, and if Kuminga gets the green light, athleticism that can punch back. This isn’t about out-youthing the Rockets. It’s about out-scheming ‘em while having just enough juice to keep up.

This game serves as a litmus test for team pride and resilience. After getting embarrassed in April, the Dubs are on edge. Draymond’s barking, Steph’s plotting, Jimmy’s lurking, and Kuminga? He’s the wildcard. If he shows up with a chip on his shoulder, Houston might be the ones limping back to the locker room.

Grab your popcorn and cue the slow-motion camera—Game 1’s about to feel like the main event.