So, uh… where’s Jonathan Kuminga? Just when the Warriors looked like they were starting to patch together some rhythm in this chaotic series against Houston, Kuminga straight-up vanishes from the Game 5 script. Not because of one of Steve Kerr’s usual “just vibes” DNPs—no, this one’s medical. Kuminga caught something, and it’s not a lob.
He reportedly suited up, went through warmups, and then, boom, ruled out an hour before tip-off with an illness. Because of course. Perfect timing, right?
Now look, Jonathan Kuminga hasn’t exactly been a nightly lock in the rotation since Jimmy Butler showed up in the Bay, eating up those wing-forward minutes. But the second Jimmy went down in Game 2, Kuminga slid right in and actually contributed. He logged 26 minutes, gave ‘em 11 points, played tough, and didn’t look out of place. In Game 3? Started the game. Put up 7 points and got the Jalen Green assignment defensively, which is the basketball version of being thrown into a tornado and asked to stand still.
Watched Jonathan Kuminga go through his pregame warmups, but he’s now out tonight because of an illness @NBCSWarriors
— Dalton Johnson (@DaltonJ_Johnson) April 30, 2025
That was the moment when we started thinking Kuminga could be that secret weapon the Warriors needed. His athleticism fit perfectly, especially against Houston’s pace and explosiveness. But now, with him out, that piece of the puzzle is missing. The Warriors’ rotation looks thinner, and they’ve got to rely on players like Moses Moody to step up, a task that’s easier said than done. Moody’s solid, but replacing Kuminga’s defensive chops and ability to guard multiple positions is no small feat.
Jonathan Kuminga’s Defensive Impact: Warriors Thrive With Him, Struggle Without Him
Fast forward to Game 5, and by halftime, the Rockets are lighting up the Warriors. Houston’s shooting a ridiculous 25-for-36 (69.4%) from the field and 9-for-15 (60%) from three. Golden State? They’re dragging—just 16-for-45 (35.6%) overall and 10-for-29 (34.5%) from deep. That’s a clinic on one end and a cold shooting night on the other. Without Jonathan Kuminga’s defensive chaos-maker energy, the Warriors are watching Houston run a layup line and three-point contest at the same time.
Kuminga’s absence is hitting hardest when it comes to guarding Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet. Normally, JK’s the guy flying around screens, switching seamlessly, and putting out fires before they start. Now? The Warriors are a step slow. The rotations are late, the contests are soft, and the Rockets are getting way too comfortable. It’s not just about effort—it’s about having the right dude for the job. And Jonathan Kuminga’s that dude.
When he’s on the court, the Warriors post a defensive rating of 113.4. That’s respectable in this playoff madness—and a big part of why they usually stay in games, even when the offense gets choppy. Kuminga’s length, foot speed, and versatility give Golden State the tools to match up with speed, shooting, and size. He’s defending guards, wings, sometimes even small-ball bigs, and doing it with poise. He’s not just filling gaps—he is the gap coverage.
Now, with him sidelined, the Warriors are scrambling. There’s no one replicating that blend of athleticism and switchability. They’re leaning hard on Draymond Green, trying Moses Moody minutes, hoping someone steps up—but it’s clear: without JK, Golden State’s defense is slipping, and Houston’s running wild.
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