Kuminga Shines With Career-high 33 To Lead Warriors’ Win
The Golden State Warriors snapped their five-game losing streak with a 99-93 victory over the Houston Rockets on Thursday at Chase Center. With both Stephen Curry and Draymond Green sidelined due to injuries, it was Jonathan Kuminga who rose to the occasion, scoring a career-high 33 points, including 14 in the fourth quarter. Alongside him, Andrew Wiggins added 22 points, contributing to a combined 55-point effort that was crucial in a game characterized by shooting struggles from both teams. This win provided the Warriors with a much-needed boost heading into their NBA Cup quarterfinals matchup next week.
Warriors’ Shifting Roles
The absence of Curry and Green meant that others had to step up, and Kuminga was the player who embraced the challenge. He started the game strong, scoring 8 points in the first quarter, including two 3-pointers. However, the offense struggled during his brief bench stint, and the Warriors fell behind by four points after leading early on. Wiggins, who had a quiet start, turned it around in the second quarter, contributing 12 points on efficient shooting.
The dynamic duo of Kuminga and Wiggins combined to score 25 of the Warriors’ 43 first-half points, keeping the team in control. Kuminga continued to deliver in the second half, finishing with 33 points, and Wiggins added 22 points, including a crucial 10-point contribution in the fourth quarter. Their scoring in the final frame helped the Warriors hold off the Rockets in a tightly contested game.
Filling the Void Left by Draymond
While the Warriors’ offense was led by Kuminga and Wiggins, filling Draymond Green’s shoes was another challenge. Several players stepped up defensively and on the boards in Green’s absence. Kevon Looney, who had been steady all season, contributed 11 rebounds and was a team-high plus-20 for the game. Brandin Podziemski, although quiet offensively, provided vital rebounding, finishing with a career-high 12 boards. The team’s defensive effort was also bolstered by veteran Kyle Anderson, who played an important role in defending the Rockets’ perimeter players.
Targeting Houston’s Weaknesses
The Warriors made the most of Houston’s roster weaknesses, particularly targeting rookies Reed Sheppard and Dillon Brooks. Sheppard, the Rockets’ No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, struggled to make an impact, especially on defense. He was repeatedly involved in the Warriors’ offensive actions, leading to a disappointing performance. After being replaced by Jalen Green, Sheppard didn’t see much action for the rest of the game. On the other hand, Dillon Brooks, a longtime thorn in the Warriors’ side, had a tough night, hitting only two of his eight 3-point attempts. The Rockets’ struggles from long range allowed Golden State to capitalize on their weaknesses, making it easier for the Warriors to maintain control of the game.
Key Takeaways from the Warriors’ Win
Kuminga’s Breakout Performance: Jonathan Kuminga’s 33-point performance was the highlight of the game, showcasing his growing potential as a primary scorer for the Warriors, especially when Curry is unavailable.
Wiggins Steps Up: After a quiet first quarter, Andrew Wiggins turned in a strong second half, providing valuable scoring, especially in the fourth quarter when the game was on the line.
Warriors’ Defensive Efforts: Despite missing Draymond Green, the Warriors showed grit on defense, with multiple players contributing in different ways to contain the Rockets’ offense.
Exploiting Opponent Weaknesses: Golden State was effective in targeting Houston’s weaker players, including Sheppard and Brooks, which helped them maintain a defensive edge throughout the game.
This win marks a crucial turning point for the Warriors, who will look to carry the momentum forward as they continue their quest for the NBA Cup. With Kuminga and Wiggins stepping up in the absence of Curry and Green, the Warriors have demonstrated that they can remain competitive even with key players sidelined.
