NBA: Jonathan Kuminga back in fold as Warriors try to tame Mavs

Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr hasn’t ruled out relying more on Jonathan Kuminga as the team continues to adjust to life without injured star Jimmy Butler. The Warriors will face the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday, looking to regroup after a tough loss.

Kuminga returned to the lineup after missing 16 straight games due to coach’s decision. He made an immediate impact, scoring 20 points in just 21 minutes during Golden State’s 145–127 loss to the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday.

The fifth-year forward had not played since Dec. 18 and was met with a loud ovation from the home crowd when he entered the game at the start of the second quarter.

This game marked the Warriors’ first since Butler suffered a season-ending torn ACL in his right knee the previous night. Butler’s injury forced the Warriors to make quick adjustments, including reintegrating Kuminga into the rotation.

“Everything’s a possibility right now,” Kerr said. “When you have an injury to not only one of your best players, but one of the best players in the league, it just changes everything. The puzzle completely changes.”

Despite their differences, Kerr praised Kuminga’s performance against Toronto.

“He came in, had great energy, attacked the rim, made some shots,” Kerr said. “I thought JK was really good. It’s a great sign with Jimmy out. Obviously, there’s a hole at that spot on our roster. JK is going to factor in here again, and I’m really pleased with the way he stayed ready and stayed prepared. He got his opportunity and played really well.”

Kerr also noted the challenge of bringing Kuminga back after a long absence.

“It’s been a month or so since he’s played. We haven’t had him at any practices. It’s hard to have any idea how someone is going to play in that set of circumstances. But he was really good.”

Buddy Hield also stepped up, scoring a team-high 25 points off the bench. Kerr’s second unit led a third-quarter rally, helping the Warriors stay competitive despite the difficult stretch.

“Third game in four nights,” Kerr said. “So for Dray and Steph especially, I wasn’t going to chase this game and add up the minutes for them. With that second unit playing so well, it absolutely made sense to stay with them.”

Golden State now heads to Dallas to face a Mavericks team that has been playing some of its best basketball this season.

Dallas is on a three-game winning streak, most recently defeating the New York Knicks 114–97 on Monday. Max Christie scored a season-high 26 points, hitting 8 of 10 from beyond the arc, while Naji Marshall added 19.

That victory came despite missing key players such as D’Angelo Russell (illness), Daniel Gafford (ankle), and P.J. Washington (personal). Anthony Davis also remained sidelined with a finger injury and is expected to be re-evaluated in about five weeks.

“When you talk about the pace that set the tone for us, make or miss, we were playing fast,” Dallas coach Jason Kidd said. “And then Christie came out — he was really good for us behind the arc, but also defensively. I thought that first group got us off to a good start on the offensive and defensive end.”

Rookie Cooper Flagg returned after missing two games with a sprained ankle and scored 18 points, showing no rust in his performance.

“I felt great,” Flagg said. “Coming back, obviously I was a little restricted minutes-wise, but felt great out there. I didn’t second-guess or anything. Strength felt great. Those two games were huge for us. The guys built more continuity, offense started flowing, and that was good carryover into Monday.” -Field Level Media/Reuters