Steve Kerr had no choice but to shake things up after Jimmy Butler went down early in Game 2 with a pelvic contusion. Golden State’s offense lost its punch without him, and their Game 1 heroes—Steph and Jimmy—weren’t there to save the day this time. In a bit of a desperation move, Kerr called on Jonathan Kuminga, who hadn’t seen the floor since April 11.
The 22-year-old hit a few shots and showed effort, but let’s be real—this stage demands more than highlights. Kuminga had a rough night against Houston. He scored 11 points on 4-of-12 shooting, including 2-of-5 from deep. He grabbed 3 rebounds, dished out 2 assists, and blocked 1 shot, but also committed 1 turnover and finished with a minus-3 rating. It needs mor e poise, especially when Steph’s on the bench. Kuminga’s still learning, but Golden State doesn’t have time to wait. If he’s going to make his mark, now’s the moment to grow up fast.
But Charles Barkley backs Kerr’s decision. Chuck didn’t beat around the bush when discussing Jonathan Kuminga’s sudden Game 2 appearance. “That’s why he had to bring Kuminga in the game,” Barkley said on-air. “Because Kuminga… the other—the Warriors, a small team. Even with Jimmy there, they’re still small. That’s why Steve Kerr… he hadn’t played him in the Play-In games. He didn’t play him in Game 1. He said, ‘I got to put some size out there.’ So, Kuminga’s gonna be huge this series.”
October 20, 2023; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr (right) talks to forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) during the third quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
And honestly, Barkley’s not wrong. Since the 6x All-Star joined the squad, Steve Kerr has locked in on a starting five of Curry, Podziemski, Butler, Moody, and Draymond. That’s three guards and two wings—Butler, at 6’7”, is somehow the tallest guy on the court for them. It’s a bold choice that’s worked… at least so far.
Offensively, they’ve been fluid—spacing the floor, finding shots, and attacking closeouts. Defensively, they’ve relied on speed and timing to plug gaps and rotate. That group already ranks as Golden State’s third-most used lineup this season, with a strong 10.8 net rating. Since Butler arrived, the team sits sixth in offense, fourth in defense, and has the fourth-best net rating overall.
But here’s the thing—they hadn’t really been tested until they met the Rockets and Alperen Sengun who had 17 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists and two steals. The Rockets and Sengun provided a reality check. Can Golden State flip the small-ball script in the playoffs again? Maybe. But relying solely on speed and switching might not cut it. Kerr knows that. Barkley knows that. And now, Kuminga—ready or not—is being asked to fill the void.
Which brings us to Kerr’s biggest challenge yet.
Steve Kerr makes honest statement about Jonathan Kuminga
The Warriors looked flat from the jump. With Jimmy Butler going down hard in the first quarter and Brandin Podziemski under the weather, they never found their footing. Houston ran away with a 109–94 win, and honestly, Golden State just didn’t have the juice to fight back.
Kerr turned to Jonathan Kuminga after Butler exited—his first appearance since April 11. He didn’t light it up, but it was something. Keep in mind, Kuminga had been riding the pine for three straight games. Kerr tossing him out there showed he’s not afraid to mix things up when the pressure hits.
Jan 24, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) high fives guard Stephen Curry (30) and head coach Steve Kerr as a time out is called against the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
After the game, Kerr was asked the big question—will Kuminga take over if Butler’s out? His response wasn’t exactly reassuring.
“We’ll see how it all plays out. If Jimmy’s out, we’ll have to rethink everything,” he said.
That’s coach speak for we’re in wait-and-see mode. He’s keeping his options open, and honestly, who wouldn’t with the stakes this high? Kuminga seems like the obvious next man up, but nothing’s locked in.
All eyes now turn to Thursday’s MRI. If it’s bad news, Kerr has decisions to make. Fast. And Game 3 against the Rockets back in The Bay just got a lot more interesting.
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