{"id":125039,"date":"2025-02-24T12:34:06","date_gmt":"2025-02-24T17:34:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=125039"},"modified":"2025-02-24T12:34:06","modified_gmt":"2025-02-24T17:34:06","slug":"jonathan-kuminga-impending-return-warriors-biggest-test","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/02\/24\/jonathan-kuminga-impending-return-warriors-biggest-test\/","title":{"rendered":"Jonathan Kuminga’s Impending Return; Warriors’ Biggest Test?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Golden State Warriors have been rolling with Jimmy Butler<\/a>, going 5-1 since he replaced Andrew Wiggins<\/a> as Stephen Curry<\/a>‘s co-star.<\/p>\n

In fact, every team that they’ve defeated is currently in postseason contention. Still, Golden State has to be careful not to mistake fool’s gold for the real thing. Though they’ve been coming out on top, their opponents weren’t at the top of their game.<\/p>\n

They faced the Chicago Bulls after they traded Zach LaVine<\/a>, the Sacramento Kings after they traded De’Aaron Fox<\/a>, the Milwaukee Bucks while they were missing Giannis Antetokoumpo<\/a>, and the Dallas Mavericks after they traded Luka Doncic<\/a> and while they were missing Anthony Davis<\/a>. They also managed to lose to that same Mavs team. Thus, while the Warriors see momentum swinging their way, it could be a trick of the light.<\/p>\n

Jonathan Kuminga’s Impending Return Will Test Warriors<\/h2>\n

Given Butler’s impact, he’s been a stronger fit for Golden State than Wiggins. The six-time All-Star hasn’t just been better at guarding the opponent’s top player. He’s been more assertive offensively, his interior gravity has complemented Curry’s perimeter dominance. He’s been a more involved and sophisticated playmaker.<\/p>\n

His production is on-point too. As a Warrior, he averages 20.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. For comparison, Wiggins was averaging 17.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 0.9 steals per game with Golden State in 2024-25.<\/p>\n

There’s just one problem.<\/p>\n

Since the trade to Golden State, Butler is shooting 10.0 percent from outside while taking 1.7 three-point attempts per game. For reference, Wiggins was shooting 37.9 percent from three with the Warriors this season. In a vacuum, this might not be overly concerning because of everything else he brings to the table. However, with Jonathan Kuminga<\/a>‘s return around the corner, Golden State has a conundrum.<\/p>\n

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Jonathan Kuminga scrimmaged yesterday. First 5-on-5 live contact. Important step in his impending return. Kuminga will miss these next two home games and be re-evaluated prior to five-game road trip. pic.twitter.com\/ACmmgJiuj6<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) February 23, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n