1. Jonathan Kuminga
It wasn’t quite the same fluent, sweet-shooting display that Kuminga had produced in the two games against the Lakers, but he was equally effective in leading the game in scoring for a third-straight occasion.
After 24 and 26 points against the Lakers, Kuminga dropped 28 in 34 minutes as the starting power-forward. While he went 7-for-12 from deep across the first two games, the 21-year-old took a different approach against the Kings.
Kuminga got to the free-throw line for 17 attempts, impressively making 13 after missing his first three. The aggressiveness at the rim was on full display, supplementing a night where his shot wasn’t falling in a 7-18 (38.9%) display.
For the third time in as many games, the former seventh overall pick overpowered and outskilled the opposition’s bench unit. Kuminga had 13 points in the fourth-quarter and overtime, including the first seven of the final period when the Kings threatened to take control.
In a team that’s traditionally struggled to draw fouls and get to the free-throw line, Kuminga’s a refreshing change who’s rim pressure could prove crucial to the Warriors chances. Head coach Steve Kerr spoke about just that in the postgame –
"“One of the big things that we’ve talked to JK about is, we’re not to the most athletic team we’re very skilled, but we don’t get to the line a ton. Near the bottom of the league last year. If he can attack and get to the rim and get to the foul line, then it makes us a better team,” Kerr said."
It wasn’t a perfect display from Kuminga who added five fouls and five turnovers to his field-goal inefficiencies. But regardless, he was the shining light again in a preseason that’s appearing ominous for opposing teams.
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