Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga makes ‘nervous’ admission after playing hero against Suns

After tying his career high of 34 points on consecutive nights, Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga led his team to a 109-105 victory over the Phoenix Suns. Draymond Green delivered his honest take on Kuminga after the impressive streak following a win against the Suns, and Kuminga had a lot to say about the end of the fourth quarter.

However, when Kuminga had to seal the victory from the free throw line, he admits he was nervous to be in such a big spot for the Warriors, according to Anthony Slater of The Athletic.

“It was great. I missed a few. So, I was nervous,” Kuminga said. “I’m not going to lie. I’ve never been in that situation where I’m making free throws and everyone is silent. I’m happy and lucky to have achieved this.

Kuminga is shooting free throws at a rate of 63.5% this season, a drop from his 74.6% shooting last season. However, when he split a pair from the charity stripe with just 3.2 seconds left, it made it a two-possession game as the Warriors consolidated their 109-105 lead against the Suns as the final score.

“It’s just about focusing and making those free throws,” Kuminga added. “And I feel like I’ve been shooting well (with) free throws throughout my practice and all that. Then, when I get to the game, something has changed. And I didn’t know what it was. But (Wiggins) was one of the people who helped me. There was one year where I really struggled shooting free throws.

“So it was the same situation with me, and Wiggs is one of the people that kind of helped me and just gave me little tips. And I feel like I’m improving,” Kuminga concluded.

Kuminga finished with a game-high 34 points on 12-of-20 shooting, including a pair of threes, and 8-of-12 from the free throw line. He also finished with nine rebounds, three assists and a steal in 34 minutes. This followed Kuminga’s debut 34-point performance, setting a career-high in a 102-92 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.

He finished with 10 rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block in 37 minutes on the Warriors bench.

Steve Kerr on Jonathan Kuminga ‘turning a milestone’ for Warriors

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr saw this coming from Jonathan Kuminga. He signaled a change in Kuminga’s approach after his back-to-back 34-point outbursts.

Kerr was very impressed with the Kuminga approach.

“I just think he’s turning a corner,” Kerr said, according to Slater. “I just think he sees the images well. … I’m so impressed with (Kuminga), and I just feel like he’s turning a corner. I played so hard last night and again tonight.

The Warriors will host the Cavaliers on Monday.