Jonathan Kuminga played the final four minutes in Game 1 of the Warriors’ first-round series of the NBA playoffs, five minutes in Game 2 and didn’t enter Game 3 at all.
But his NBA playoff debut awakening came full circle in Game 4.
Kuminga played 11 minutes as Golden State tried to complete a series sweep vs. the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. The 19-year-old rookie came off the bench with his usual energetic spirit and finished with nine points on 3-of-4 shooting from the field in the Dubs’ loss.
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Coach Steve Kerr was impressed with the young forward’s first real playoff performance.
“I think he did a really good job,” Kerr told reporters on Tuesday. “We put him in because we were really struggling and we wanted a spark, he gave us a spark. His speed in transition was obvious. He got out and got a couple of hoops, and did a really good job defensively.”
Kuminga’s minutes increased throughout the regular season, and his high-flying dunks put the rookie on everyone’s radar.
But his role in the postseason was never really clear -- until now.
Golden State Warriors
Kerr's advice to his teenage rookie? He has to stay ready.
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“JK played well for us and he’s going to have a role, whether it’s tomorrow or after that, he just has to stay ready because he’s got the ability to make an impact,” Kerr said.