Tonight was all about Jonathan Kuminga. Coming off the bench, the fourth-year forward showcased a stunning outing. But things could have just as well gone south. If you remember, just an hour before tip-off, Bay Area News Group’s Danny Emerman tweeted Kuminga’s response to Kerr’s decision to bench him. “Not the first time things like that happened. … I’m not the coach. It’s his decision.”

However, in a matchup without Stephen Curry and Andrew Wiggins against the insane duo of Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson, the Dubs pulled off a dominant 124-106 victory! And JK’s contribution was a big factor in it.

Taking to Zena Keita post-game, Jonathan Kuminga detailed what helped him stay true to himself and the team, helping them thwart the Pelicans for GSW’s third win.

“I mean, it’s just a game of basketball. At the end of the day, we have all got to stay professional. That’s what we do. Just come out here every day and just play. That’s what we choose to do every day. No matter what circumstances, no matter what’s happening, I just gotta come here and play a game of basketball, play the game you love, and go home. It’s that simple,” he said quite casually.

Although immediate reaction to the benching news was one of concern, especially with Kuminga without an extension, the 22-year-old’s comments clearly reflect a grounded approach. And it was one that Steve Kerr also pointed out pre-game. “He’ll come around,” the Warriors coach said. He also mentioned that the team will need his “force and athleticism” as the season moves forward.

Continuing along the same line were Coach Kerr’s post-game thoughts, too. Emerman tweeted the 9x NBA champ’s opinion on JK’s performance tonight. “Thought he was great. We’re going to need him, obviously. He’s our most athletic player.” Kuminga with 17/3/3 in a season-high 28 minutes off the bench.”

Furthermore, Kuminga acknowledges that, despite shifts in playing time or bench assignments, his focus remains on doing what he loves—playing basketball—and handling his role with dedication and consistency. So, what may have led to this 180-degree turn?

Coach Kerr explains pre-game conversation with Jonathan Kuminga

Kuminga mentioned to Emerman Kerr how hadn’t spoken to him about the move. But it seems after that, the 59-year-old did indeed have a chat with the athletic forward. And it was one of reassurance, explaining to JK that letting him come off the bench was more of a strategic adjustment.

“Without Steph and Wiggs, I didn’t want to start Trayce, Draymond, and JK. I wanted a little more spacing,” Kerr told Anthony Slater. With Curry and Wiggins out, Steve wanted to avoid a lineup of Green, Jackson-Davis, and Kuminga, as these three tend to play closer to the basket and are not as perimeter-oriented, which would compromise spacing. Kerr intended to keep the floor open to enhance offensive fluidity, especially without Curry’s shooting and Wiggins’ versatile scoring ability.

But it did not diminish his belief in JK’s performance tonight. “I knew it would be a JK game. I knew he would play a lot because he’s played well against this team. The matchups are good for him. And as I told him before the game: ‘You’re going to play a lot. This is just about combinations and getting a little more spacing on the floor to start.’”

“So all of this shuffling is just to try to find the right five-man grouping. But without Steph and Wiggs, to me, it didn’t make sense to start those three bigs without those guards,” he further detailed his reasoning.

In the end, Kerr’s conversation with Kuminga not only clarified the reasoning behind the rotation but reinforced the Dubs coach’s confidence in his potential for the game. By clarifying that the lineup changes were purely about strategic spacing – not a critique of Jonathan’s skills.

To sum up, Kerr underscored his commitment to using Kuminga’s strengths where they shine most.