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Jonathan Kuminga breaks Golden State Warriors’ record despite adversity

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 04: Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors drives to the basket on A.J. Lawson #9 and Reggie Bullock #25 of the Dallas Mavericks during the fourth quarter at Chase Center on February 04, 2023 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 04: Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors drives to the basket on A.J. Lawson #9 and Reggie Bullock #25 of the Dallas Mavericks during the fourth quarter at Chase Center on February 04, 2023 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Exciting second-year forward Jonathan Kuminga produced another impressive display for the Golden State Warriors on Saturday, delivering in a strong bench unit that helped the reigning champions to a 119-113 win over the Dallas Mavericks.

Not only did Kuminga’s 13 points on 6-for-11 shooting help in the overall team performance, but it also signified his place among Warriors’ history from an individual standpoint.

At 20 years and 121 days old, Jonathan Kuminga has become the youngest player to reach 1000 career points in a Golden State Warriors’ uniform.

Kuminga passed the 1000 point mark in true fashion, driving hard to the rim and finishing a finger roll layup early in the fourth quarter. In doing so, he passed Joe Smith (20 years 236 days) as the youngest Warrior in which to do so.

While it may be a minor accolade in what he promises to be a long and distinguished career, the record is a defining recognition of where Kuminga has come from, both before and during his NBA career to date.

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Kuminga’s life is starting to become a storied one — from growing up in the Congo to moving to the U.S in 2016 to pursue his NBA dreams. Yet despite being a highly coveted top ten pick in 2021, his year-and-a-half in the league has had plenty of ups-and-downs.

The former seventh overall pick found himself outside Steve Kerr’s rotation earlier in the season. His reputation as more of a project player coming out of the draft was appearing true, which ultimately wasn’t going to bode well for a championship-contending team.

However, a few months later and Kuminga is now one of the brightest spots in a Warriors season that’s largely been uninspiring. He’s earnt Kerr’s trust and has carved out a role as one of Golden State’s best on-ball defenders, along with a developing offensive game that flashes potential of one day being a 20+ point per game player.

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That last point is reiterated with this accolade. At present, Kuminga’s defense is the most notable aspect to his game. When you combine that with the adversity he’s faced in his young career, it’s extraordinary and downright exciting that he’s been able to break this type of franchise scoring record.

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