What we learned about Kuminga, Jessup in Warriors' SL loss

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Moses Moody, projected as part of the Warriors’ future, was restricted to the sideline with a mild chest bruise. Gary Payton II, chasing a role in that same future, was healthy but given the night off.

With the starting backcourt out, Jonathan Kuminga had more room to work on Sunday. He took it but did not always prosper.

Despite Kuminga posting a team-high 17 points and team-high eight rebounds, the Warriors took an 80-79 overtime loss to the undefeated New Orleans Pelicans in Las Vegas Summer League play at Cox Pavilion.

The Warriors finished 1-3 in Vegas. Here are three observations from the loss. Golden State will play one final game in Vegas, on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Lakers at 4 p.m. PT:

The Kuminga File

The Good: One play that should ease concerns about his passing ability was a nifty pocket drop in the paint led to an easy layup for a teammate. Not all NBA players make that pass. He also hit the glass well, drained a 3-pointer from the top of the arc, got a terrific late-game stop and is getting better at converting free throws.

The Bad: He struggled to finish against fellow first-round pick Trey Murphy, who is a couple inches taller. On one third-quarter possession, Kuminga embraced isolation against Murphy but was forced into a travel. A few possessions later, Murphy caught Kuminga between dribbles for a steal. He was blocked by Murphy on a post-up attempt inside the final minutes.

The Stats: 17 points, on 5-of-12 shooting from the field, including 2-of-8 from deep, and 6-of-9 from the line, eight rebounds, four assists, one steal and four turnovers. He was plus-5 over 27 minutes.

The Jessup File

The Good: His shooting once again was solid, as he made shots from all three levels. 

Jessup shouldn’t be penalized for clanking a desperation 3-ball as the shot clock ran out. This was his best all-around showing for the shooting guard who has come a long way since the California Classic earlier in the month in Sacramento.

The Bad: He missed a couple open 3-balls, no big deal, but more concerning are the three turnovers, a rather high total for a shooting guard that doesn’t do a lot of ball handling. 

The Stats: 16 points on 7-of-16 shooting, including 2-of-8 from deep, four rebounds, two assists and one steal. He was plus-15 in 30 minutes. 

The Guy File

The Good: Shooting guard Kyle Guy is on the Summer League roster for evaluation. Given the start in the absence of Moody, the 2019 Final Four MVP from Virginia made a nice corner 3 to beat the shot clock – replays showed otherwise – in the fourth quarter. He was most impressive in competing hard.

The Bad: One behind-the-back pass went directly to an opponent, launching transition for the Pelicans. That late-game 3-ball was his only make. If he finds his way back to the NBA, it will be through his shot. It wasn’t there on this night.

The Stats: 3 points, on 1-of-6 shooting, including 1-of-5 from distance, five rebounds, one assist and two turnovers. He was plus-6 over 23 minutes.

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