In a matchup that was more about reunions than rivalries, Jonathan Kuminga's return to face the Golden State Warriors lacked the fireworks some might have anticipated. Instead, it was a night filled with camaraderie and connections, despite the Warriors' lackluster performance in their 126-110 loss to the Atlanta Hawks.
Kuminga, now with the Hawks, didn't have a standout game, going 1-of-9 from the field and scoring just two points. But the story wasn't in the stat line; it was in the post-game interactions. Kuminga spent considerable time reconnecting with his former teammates and coaches, sharing a particularly long chat with Stephen Curry at halfcourt.
“It felt like a normal game,” Kuminga reflected. “Just excited to see my old teammates and some of my guys out there. It was great, and I was happy to see them.”
“I’m here, very happy, doing great.”
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Jonathan Kuminga talks his relationship with the Warriors, thoughts on Kerr’s statements, role with Hawks and more. pic.twitter.com/HQECqztNl2
The warmth was mutual. Kuminga and Draymond Green shared a heartfelt moment, underscoring the lasting bond they built during their time together.
“That's my vet, that’s my OG,” Kuminga said. “You know me and Draymond’s connection is always there, that brotherhood is always there.”
Even with Warriors coach Steve Kerr, with whom Kuminga had some basketball-related disagreements, the post-game vibe was positive. Kerr reiterated that their differences were strictly on the court.
“We couldn’t quite offer him what he needed, and vice versa,” Kerr explained. “We were a championship team - he needed really a lot of freedom and 35 minutes to make mistakes and grow and learn.”
Kuminga, for his part, is focused on the future. “I’m here, I’m very happy where I’m at.
I’m doing great. Our goal is to get where we want to get, and that comes up to us as a team,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to his new chapter with the Hawks.
Hawks coach Quinn Snyder praised Kuminga’s integration into the team, highlighting his defensive and transition play-elements that were also part of his role with the Warriors.
Despite past challenges, Kerr and the Warriors continue to wish Kuminga well. “We had our share of conversations about basketball that we had our differences, but on a personal level, we all root for him here,” Kerr stated.
As Kuminga moves forward, the relationships he built with Curry, Green, and others remain strong. “I’ve still got great friendship and connection like they’re my brothers,” Kuminga shared. “Our relationship is very strong, and we’re brothers at the end of the day.”
In the end, the night served as a reminder that while players may change teams, the bonds formed on and off the court often endure.