In a surprising turn of events during the Golden State Warriors’ preseason game against the Portland Trail Blazers, forward Jonathan Kuminga was ejected after a heated exchange with an official over a missed call. The incident occurred late in the first half when Kuminga, frustrated by a no-call on a drive to the basket, clapped in the referee’s face, leading to an immediate ejection without a prior technical foul. Despite the ejection, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr stood firmly behind his player, delivering a five-word message that captured attention: “I kind of liked it, actually.”
The Incident
The moment of contention came when Kuminga drove to the rim, only to be met with physical defense from Portland’s Kris Murray and Jerami Grant. Replays showed Murray grabbing Kuminga’s right forearm while Grant made contact across his left wrist, a sequence that could have easily warranted a foul call. Kuminga’s frustration boiled over, leading to his animated reaction and subsequent ejection. While Kerr’s attempt to protest the call was unsuccessful, his post-game comments revealed a surprising perspective on the incident.
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Kerr’s Support and Message
Rather than reprimanding Kuminga, Kerr embraced the passion displayed by the young forward. “I don’t mind the ejection at all,” Kerr stated, before adding his now-viral five-word remark: “I kind of liked it, actually.” The coach elaborated that Kuminga’s fiery response was a reflection of the intensity and drive that could elevate the Warriors’ performance. “That’s the J.K. that can really help our team,” Kerr said, emphasizing that Kuminga’s emotion sent a powerful message about his commitment to the game.
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Kuminga’s Performance and Context
Before his ejection, Kuminga showcased his potential, contributing seven points, six rebounds, and four assists in limited minutes. His performance underscored his value as a dynamic forward, even as his role with the Warriors has shifted. Last season, Kuminga averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists on 45 percent shooting, numbers just shy of his career highs from his third year. However, the arrival of Jimmy Butler has relegated Kuminga to a more supporting role behind stars like Butler, Stephen Curry, and Draymond Green.
This shift has sparked discussions about Kuminga’s future with the team. While the 23-year-old envisions himself developing into an All-Star, the Warriors see him as a versatile piece to bolster their depth. Despite this divergence in expectations, Kerr remains confident in Kuminga’s ability to contribute without disrupting team chemistry. “We’ve got powerful leadership in the locker room,” Kerr said, reflecting on his four years coaching Kuminga. “He’s not the guy to come in and tear a team down … I’m not worried about anything.”
Kuminga’s Perspective
For Kuminga, Kerr’s support was a significant boost. “It means a lot,” he said of his coach’s message in the locker room. He also noted how his growth has allowed him to see the game differently: “The game has slowed down so much. I’m seeing everything. I’m just playing at my own pace.” This newfound confidence and clarity could be key as Kuminga navigates his role on a stacked Warriors roster.
A Broader Impact
Kerr’s backing of Kuminga highlights the coach’s belief in fostering passion and intensity, even in moments of frustration. The incident, while resulting in an ejection, showcased Kuminga’s competitive fire, a trait Kerr clearly values. With the support of his coach and teammates, Kuminga appears poised to channel this energy into a productive season, whether as a starter or a key contributor off the bench.
As the Warriors prepare for the regular season, Kerr’s five-word message serves as a reminder that Kuminga’s passion, when harnessed, could be a game-changer for Golden State. The incident against the Trail Blazers may have been a preseason flare-up, but it also offered a glimpse into the potential of a player ready to make his mark.