{"id":138708,"date":"2025-05-10T10:53:06","date_gmt":"2025-05-10T14:53:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=138708"},"modified":"2025-05-10T11:37:49","modified_gmt":"2025-05-10T15:37:49","slug":"can-warriors-jonathan-kuminga-game-2-performance-carry-to-game-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/05\/10\/can-warriors-jonathan-kuminga-game-2-performance-carry-to-game-3\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Embattled Warrior\u2019s Game 2 Performance Carry To Game 3?"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the Golden State Warriors prepare for Game 3 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, they\u2019ll still be without offensive engine Stephen Curry<\/a>, who came up lame with a hamstring strain<\/a> in Game 1. On the heels of Curry\u2019s leg injury, the Warriors were steamrolled by the Timberwolves in their next semifinals matchup. Indeed, Game 2\u2019s loss was their worst of the 2025 NBA Playoffs; their first with a 20-plus point deficit.<\/p>\n

However, during Game 2\u2019s blowout, Golden State had two silver linings.<\/p>\n

Can Jonathan Kuminga\u2019s Game 2 Performance Carry To Game 3?<\/h2>\n

To be clear, Jimmy Butler<\/a> had the best overall game, but one that was below his standard. Nevertheless, Jonathan Kuminga<\/a>\u00a0and Trayce Jackson-Davis<\/a> played above expectations, making their performances more resonant.<\/p>\n

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May 8, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) dribbles the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half during game two of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kuminga, an embattled young forward who has been all but out of Golden State\u2019s playoff rotation, recorded 18 points (on 11 shots) and five rebounds in 26 minutes. Jackson-Davis, who has been out the rotation nearly all season, recorded 15 points (on six shots) and six rebounds in 19 minutes. For a team that has to figure out where their points will come from without Curry, Kuminga\u2019s play was particularly notable, as he was able to score on and off the ball with relative ease.<\/p>\n

He attacked Minnesota\u2019s defenders with strength and speed. He demonstrated soft touch on his jumpers. Kuminga even caught them sleeping.<\/p>\n

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Despite the Game 2 loss on the road, Jonathan Kuminga provided a spark off the bench, contributing 18 points for the GS Warriors.#NBAAfrica<\/a>#NBAPlayoffs<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/Rz89Q25DOZ<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NBA Africa (@NBA_Africa) May 9, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n