“Live With Mistakes”: Stephen Curry Sets Jonathan Kuminga Expectations as Coach Kerr’s Stern Call Out Works Like Magic

“This is the JK we want. Spent a lot of time in the paint, took care of the ball” said Steve Kerr, in the aftermath of the Golden State Warriors recent matchup against the Indiana Pacers. It was earlier this month when, in the absence of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, Jonathan Kuminga had taken the offensive charge. His performance had earned him the respect of both his veteran peers and his head coach. Since then, however, the 22-year-old had struggled to make another mark on the offensive front. His shot selection was especially analyzed, with Steve Kerr making a remark that was felt directed at Kuminga: “Don’t need contested 17-footers with 12 on the shot clock”. Now, as Kuminga’s recent performance has potentially brought him back into good graces, Stephen Curry has also chosen to weigh in.

During the post-game presser, a reporter highlighted to Stephen Curry how Steve Kerr had initially been critical of Jonathan Kuminga’s shot selection. The same may have played an effect in the young star’s recent performance. Addressing it, Curry stated “I mean he (Kuminga) was the probably the best player out there in the sense of attacking, being decisive. I think I talked about, after the game the other night, anytime you’re decisive and aggressive, you live with mistakes.” The Three-Point Leader lauded Kuminga’s ability to play in the flow of the offense and take what is given by the defense. From recording extra possessions to knocking down open 3s, this was Kuminga’s side that Stephen Curry wanted to see.

“So, we love energetic, confident JK” said the Warriors veteran. “He can change the game for us like he did. Stringing a couple of those games together, you know, hopefully he can rise our level of play, and give us a chance to win any given night”.

Jonathan Kuminga ended his 30 minutes on the court by scoring 26 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists. This was the first time since the iconic game back in early December that Kuminga managed to cross the 25 points threshold. This was made possible by him recording 9-16 (56.3%) field goals, 2-3 (66.7%) three-pointers, and 6-9 (66.7%) free throws.

The 56.3% field goal percentage came after the player had gone 27.3%, and 16.7%, during the previous 2 games. While his free throws were better, his three-pointer percentage was also down during the 2 matchups. When asked about the shot selection issue with Kuminga, Steve Kerr stated “I’m not going to stop coaching (him). The last two games, his field goal attempts, his decision making has been poor. That needs to improve.” And improve, he did.

It would have been quite obvious that Stephen Curry would have something to say in the aftermath of the recent game. After all, if the shooter and Draymond Green have been consistent with something, it is motivating the young star from time to time.

Jonathan Kuminga received stern directive from Stephen Curry and Draymond Green that helped create 33-points night

Prior to his recent 26-point game, Jonathan Kuminga had made heads turn by scoring 33 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists against the Houston Rockets earlier this month. The unavailability of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green may have casted doubts on whether the Warriors could win. Kuminga’s boost, however, allowed them to secure the victory by a 99-93 score. Even as the light shone on him, Kuminga couldn’t resist mentioning the two veterans. After all, they guided him even from the bench.

In the aftermath of the game, reporters asked the 22-year-old about the matchup’s final moments. After all, the player scored 14 points in the 4th quarter itself. As 22.8 seconds remained on the clock, the Bay Area franchise led by 3 points. Kuminga made a tough layup to seal the game. Remembering those final minutes, the player replied, “They (Curry and Green) wanted me to go get the ball. It’s a, you know, that’s how I got my confidence. They wanted me to go out there and just get the ball. And just go from there, you know. They trusted me and, you know, that kind of boosted me, that kind of helped me to just be confident. I took a deep breath, and I just went out there and just, took care of the ball.”

Once Jonathan Kuminga made the final shot, both Stephen Curry and Draymond Green chest-bumped him. Recalling that particular moment, the 22-year-old added “It was like a dream come true. Just having those guys. They always push me, every single day, you know. They always there, no matter what. I just seeing them, cheering for me on that moment, you know. It means a lot.”

With mentors like these, the only way Jonathan Kuminga has to go is up. We can only observe whether Stephen Curry’s recent words affect him during future games.