3 winners and 1 loser from Golden State Warriors third preseason victory

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 02: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles the ball during the Warriors' media day on October 02, 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 02: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles the ball during the Warriors' media day on October 02, 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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Jonathan Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors poses for a picture during media day on October 02, 2023 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Jonathan Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors poses for a picture during media day on October 02, 2023 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

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.