The end of Jonathan Kuminga’s first chapter with the Atlanta Hawks concluded in humiliating fashion, as the former Golden State Warriors forward and his new teammates suffered a historic postseason collapse in Game 6 of their first-round playoff series against the New York Knicks.
Hoping to force a decisive Game 7 at Madison Square Garden, the Hawks were instead obliterated on their home floor, falling 140-89 in a season-ending blowout that will be remembered as one of the most lopsided defeats in recent NBA playoff history.
After being traded by the Warriors to Atlanta at the mid-season deadline, Kuminga had shown flashes of promise in his new uniform. Despite dealing with injury issues, the 23-year-old delivered standout performances in Games 2 and 3 of the series. His strong play helped the Hawks secure home-court advantage and created genuine belief that Atlanta could pull off a surprising first-round upset against the Knicks.
However, New York responded with ruthless efficiency, reeling off three consecutive victories to close out the series. Thursday’s Game 6 represented the nadir of that comeback, as the Knicks built a staggering 47-point halftime lead after the Hawks had briefly led 11-9 early in the contest. What began as a competitive series devolved into a total mismatch, leaving Kuminga and the entire Hawks organization with a bitter taste heading into the offseason.
Kuminga’s individual performance only compounded the embarrassment. Coming off the bench, the young forward logged less than 23 minutes and finished with a game-worst plus-minus of -44. He recorded 11 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists while shooting 3-of-7 from the field and 4-of-6 from the free-throw line.
The nightmare extended beyond a single game. Over the final three contests of the series, Kuminga shot a combined 7-of-20 from the floor, including a dismal 1-of-11 from three-point range, and posted a cumulative plus-minus of -62. Once viewed as a rising star with explosive athleticism, his recent struggles have raised fresh questions about his consistency and readiness for high-stakes playoff basketball.
Kuminga’s future with the Hawks under scrutiny
The disappointing finish could significantly impact Kuminga’s immediate future in Atlanta. The Hawks hold a $24.3 million team option on the former seventh overall pick for next season. There had been early speculation that Atlanta might decline the option in order to negotiate a new, long-term extension with the young forward. However, his underwhelming showing in the series’ closing games may force the front office to reconsider that approach.
For the Golden State Warriors, the trade that sent Kuminga to Atlanta in exchange for Kristaps Porzingis also remains under evaluation. With Porzingis entering unrestricted free agency this summer and carrying his own injury concerns, both sides may need more time—and better performances from their respective acquisitions—before a final verdict on the mid-season deal can be reached.
As the NBA offseason begins, Jonathan Kuminga finds himself at a critical crossroads. Once celebrated for his raw talent and potential as a cornerstone piece, the 23-year-old must now prove his ability to deliver consistently when it matters most. For the Hawks, the decision on whether to commit long-term to Kuminga will likely define a significant part of their roster-building strategy in the months ahead.
What was supposed to be a fresh start in Atlanta has instead ended in disaster. For Kuminga and the Hawks, the road to redemption starts now.