The Golden State Warriors improved to an impressive 3-0 without Stephen Curry in the lineup. They knocked off the Houston Rockets, 127-121, in a nail-biting win on Saturday.
The contest between these two teams could not be decided in regulation. The Rockets roared back into the game during the 4th quarter, outscoring the Warriors 39-23 during the fourth quarter to force overtime. However, Golden State managed to find the extra gear from there, getting the job done in the extra frame.
Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski (2) celebrates with forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) after a time-out is called against the Portland Trail Blazers during the fourth quarter at Chase Center.
© Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
A big reason that the Warriors managed to secure the victory here was fourth-year forward Jonathan Kuminga. He scored 23 points in the game, including several clutch buckets in the overtime period.
In the post-game press conference, Warriors star Draymond Green was more than ready to talk about how great his teammate was on Saturday.
“Jonathan Kuminga showed why he is Jonathan Kuminga,” Green told reporters. “You’ve seen some guys come through here with great motors and no skill. He got skill. …Down the stretch or every time we needed a bucket, we gave him the ball.”
Green added: “I don’t want him to love coming off the bench. He believes he’s a superstar. I believe he can be a superstar.”
Kuminga has been included in trade rumors since failing to reach a contract extension with Golden State, and after being moved to the bench those rumors picked up even more traction.
Kuminga has responded well to his demotion from the starting lineup. In the three games since being benched, he is averaging 18.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.0 steals in 27.3 minutes per game.
The Warriors next matchup will be Monday night against the Washington Wizards.
