The Golden State Warriors tried their best on Friday against the Los Angeles Clippers. However, the James Harden-led group was too much for the Warriors, who suffered a 102-92 loss.
The Warriors were short-handed against the Clippers as they were without their star player. Stephen Curry. The four-time champion missed the game as he had to deal with a bilateral knee injury management. Fortunately for the team, Curry is expected to return on their Saturday game against the Phoenix Suns, according to head coach Steve Kerr.
Curry wasn’t the only star who missed the game. Veteran forward Draymond Green was also on the sidelines. Green was out due to a back injury and will return to action.
“I do,” Kerr said when asked if he’s expecting Green and Curry to return against Phoenix (5:31).
Despite not having their two most important players, Golden State put up a fight. The young players took advantage of the minutes they were given. Trayce Jackson-Davis was the only player among the starters who finished with double digits in scoring, with 15 points.
The second unit’s contribution was a different story, however. Jonathan Kuminga came off the bench for Golden State and played 36 minutes. In the time he had available, Kuminga ended with 34 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. His efficiency on the floor was evident as he made 57.9% of his shots.
After the game, Kerr spoke highly of Kuminga’s performance.
“Tonight, JK was that guy, he was brilliant,” Kerr said about Kuminga’s performance. “I loved his game tonight, just the purpose, the intent, the rebounding. He just played with force and that’s what we need from him.”
Fans raved about Kuminga’s performance, despite the Warriors’ loss
Fans were surprised with the way the Warriors forward took over the game. They went to X (formerly Twitter), to share their thoughts on Kuminga’s performance.
“Jonathan Kuminga is the Jayson Tatum of Jerami Grant’s,” one fan made an interesting comparison.
“Warriors fans wanted to trade him 😂😂,” another fan brought up Kuminga’s trade rumors.
“Get him on a winning team he’ll take a major leap, Warriors holding him back,” a fan said about his growth.
Get him on a winning team he’ll take a major leap, Warriors holding him back
— justin (@LegacyMcCain) December 28, 2024
“should play through him more, he’s not meant for the warriors chucking 3 system”
“Kerr still has this man in jail btw”
“Big things ahead for him! 🔥💯”
Big things ahead for him! 🔥💯
— Ijaz khan (@Ijazkhan1k) December 28, 2024
“Look what happens when a certain somebody isn’t holding him back”
“JK gave it his all, and some people still don’t show him love”
“2nd best player on the warriors and kerr starts kyle anderson Lol”
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Follow me on X at @BarbecueBro, and follow us at @HardwoodHeroics and @GridironHeroics. You can also reach out to Reign Amurao via email at [email protected]. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest sports news, click here!
Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen with Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
