Stephen Curry calls for 'judging' of Jonathan Kuminga to stop

The Golden State Warriors' two-timeline approach was intensely scrutinized while the team struggled to play .500 basketball before the NBA trade deadline. What exactly was ownership's priority? Maximizing Stephen Curry's final years, or preserving the team's collection of young talent?

Golden State acquired Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat without dealing any of its key pieces for a post-Curry future. Still, questions persisted about Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody and their ability to be key contributors on a contender.

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Even with the Warriors' ascension to fifth place in the Western Conference, the criticism of Kuminga hasn't ceased. His uneven performances since returning from a two-month layoff due to an ankle injury have been the subject of postgame discussions on social media.

On Thursday, Curry called for the nonstop Kuminga consternation to end.

"I think we need to just let this guy play basketball," Curry told reporters. "We don’t have to have a declaration after every game. We don’t have to be in a situation where we are judging every minute he’s out there."

Steph Curry on Jonathan Kuminga: “I think we need to just let this guy play basketball. We don’t have to have a declaration after every game. We don’t have to be in a situation where we are judging every minute he’s out there.”
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) April 4, 2025

Curry came to the defense of Kuminga after the 22-year-old forward played a key role on both ends of the floor in Golden State's 123-116 victory over the rival Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena.

Curry engaged in yet another memorable showdown with LeBron James, scoring a game-high 37 points to offset his Olympic teammate's 33. Kuminga's contributions off the bench served as a reminder of his tantalizing potential. The 2021 No. 7 overall pick finished with 18 points, nine rebounds and four assists in 25 minutes.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr liked how Kuminga embraced "the role that we really needed from him" in a game the Warriors desperately needed to win.

"Just played a really, really solid game," Kerr told reporters. "Did exactly what we needed to help us win."

Kerr with propers for Jonathan Kuminga. Said he played the role the Warriors asked him to play. Defended. Rebounded. Protected the ball.

“Just played a really, really solid game. Did exactly what we needed.”

More: pic.twitter.com/R3acr00nJb
— Sam Gordon (@BySamGordon) April 4, 2025

Draymond Green said he and Golden State's leaders have "challenged" Kuminga "to step up on the defensive end." Against the Lakers, Kuminga took it upon himself to seek the toughest assignments of checking James and Luka Doncic.

"He was great offensively, but he was even better defensively," Green said of Kuminga.

"[Kuminga] was great offensively, but he was even better defensively."

Draymond praises JK for taking on a massive challenge 💪 pic.twitter.com/yxb5u9IheD
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) April 4, 2025

The Warriors extended their win streak to four games to remain fifth in the West and stay a half-game ahead of the Memphis Grizzlies and Minnesota Timberwolves. A loss would've sent Golden State tumbling down to eighth and Play-In Tournament territory.

Stephen Curry wants constant 'judging' of Warriors player to stop

By Joe Lago | Apr 4, 2025