The Golden State Warriors are continuing to ascend the Western Conference, doing so in a battle against the Sacramento Kings.
The Northern California battle features two teams that have made massive moves this season, though both are searching for a playoff berth as middle-of-the-pack teams in the West.
Golden State has been on a tear since adding Jimmy Butler at the trade deadline. The former Miami Heat forward has been brilliant upon his arrival in the Bay Area.
Stephen Curry, with the help of a new co-star, has ascended his play to an MVP level, too.
Butler’s arrival has helped just about every player on the squad.
However, there are questions and concerns regarding Jonathan Kuminga’s fit alongside the star forward, as he’s slated to make his return after being sidelined for over two months.
The G League Ignite product was labeled “probable” before the Warriors’ home contest against the Kings. However, the club made an announcement before the contest.
Oct 9, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (0) and forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) defend against Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan (10) during a free throw attempt in the second quarter at Golden 1 Center.
© Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
Warriors make Kuminga announcement before Kings game
With many fans awaiting Kuminga’s return, it’ll officially come against the Warirors’ in-state rival as the forward has been listed as active prior to tipoff.
On top of making his return to the hardwood, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr announced that Kuminga will play a “careful” amount of minutes, as reported by The Athletic’s Anthony Slater.
“No specific minutes restriction for Jonathan Kuminga tonight, but it’ll be a careful amount,” Slater shared on X.
No specific minutes restriction for Jonathan Kuminga tonight, but it’ll be a careful amount, per Kerr. Short bursts.
Here’s Kerr on that and the idea of Kuminga, Butler, Draymond lineup combinations pic.twitter.com/6jr8jsjMbS
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) March 14, 2025
The Warriors forward was having a career-year prior to his injury in January, and that comes as he’s due for a contract extension this offseason.
How Kuminga slots into Golden State’s current lineup will certainly have an impact on their upcoming offseason decision.
The first contest, coming in short bursts, will only tell so much. Keep an eye on Kuminga getting a bigger role and more minutes every game he hits the hardwood.
