In a high-stakes regular-season finale against the Clippers, Warriors coach Steve Kerr made a bold call, he benched Jonathan Kuminga, even though the young forward was healthy. The move came in a 124-119 overtime loss that knocked Golden State out of playoff contention on Sunday.
After the game, Kerr said both Kuminga and Gui Santos, who also didn’t play, have been “really impactful” but were sidelined due to how the game unfolded, not because they’re out of the rotation long-term.
“Both [Santos] and [Kuminga] have been really impactful players for us,” Kerr said, according to SI. “Doesn’t mean they’re out of the loop going forward, it’s just this is how this game played out.”
Jonathan Kuminga getting shots up after receiving a DNP in loss to Clippers pic.twitter.com/0fw3tq0ZVI
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) April 13, 2025
It marked Kuminga’s first “DNP–Coach’s Decision” since the 2023 Western Conference semifinals. Kerr told Kuminga ahead of tip-off that he wouldn’t be part of the usual first-quarter rotation. His role would depend on how the game played out.
Kerr also pointed to roster dynamics since Jimmy Butler joined in February. He admitted the trio of Butler, Kuminga, and Draymond Green “doesn’t fit real well, frankly,” stressing the need for better spacing.
"We've just found a group since Jimmy [Butler] got here that we're pretty comfortable with… I didn't tell him he wasn't going to play 'cause I wasn't sure if he was going to play or not."
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 14, 2025
Steve Kerr on not playing Jonathan Kuminga tonight.
(via @KNBR)pic.twitter.com/d9iubuxa2r
Golden State went 16-6 during Kuminga’s ankle injury absence and 11-4 in the 15 games since his return – suggesting the team had found success both with and without him.
Implications for Jonathan Kuminga and the Warriors moving forward into the play-in tournament
Jonathan Kuminga didn’t play in a crucial game, but he didn’t check out either. While most of his teammates had cleared the court after the loss, Kuminga stayed behind, getting shots up and putting in work.
Steph Curry said Kuminga could still make a major impact, especially against athletic teams like the Memphis Grizzlies, or even the Houston Rockets if the Warriors advance.
“Just to be ready. It’s the test of a young player in this league, and especially with our team, you never know when you’re moment will be there, at the brightest and highest of moments,” Curry said, according to NBC Sports. “So it wasn’t his time tonight, and you know, against Memphis, it could be a game where he makes his presence felt.
“So don’t let noise outside the locker room, the attention that might come from it, distract you from your ability to make an impact when your number is called. … You got to be able to be ready.”
Steph Curry on what he hopes to see from Jonathan Kuminga going forward after the DNP tonight:
— KNBR (@KNBR) April 14, 2025
"Just to be ready. The test of a young player in this league, especially with our team, you never know when your moment will be there… it wasn't his time tonight. Against Memphis it… pic.twitter.com/Uu0VzR6Rtt
On a team like Golden State, opportunities come fast, and unexpectedly. Curry advised Kuminga to tune out the noise and be prepared when called.
Both Kerr and Curry have voiced frustration with the constant noise around Kuminga’s role. His minutes have bounced around over four seasons, and a contract extension still hasn’t come. That uncertainty lingers, but the priority now is the play-in.
And if the Warriors want to keep their postseason hopes alive, Kuminga’s athleticism and scoring punch might be just what they need.
READ: Warriors’ Road Gets Tougher After OT Heartbreaker to Clippers
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