SAN ANTONIO — Jonathan Kuminga’s time as a starter for the Golden State Warriors has come to an end, at least for now. In search of a change following a challenging stretch characterized by six consecutive road losses, the Warriors opted to shift Kuminga to the bench for their game against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night at Frost Bank Center. Instead, head coach Steve Kerr introduced a small-ball starting lineup featuring fifth-year forward Moses Moody and rookie Will Richard alongside stars Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green.
Kuminga had been a fixture in the starting five, having begun the season as a starter for all 12 games after securing a two-year contract last month worth up to $48.5 million with a team option for the 2026-27 season. However, the Warriors faced significant struggles, including a 126-102 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder the previous night.
Kerr pointed to the team’s recent performance as necessitating changes in the lineup. “It’s very clear that we’ve been a little clunky recently,” he remarked before the game, emphasizing the need for a refreshed approach based on lineup analytics and overall team performance.
In the early part of the season, Kuminga demonstrated impressive stats, averaging 13.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists while shooting 47.8% from the field and 32.4% from beyond the arc. He has often been highlighted as the Warriors’ most explosive athlete and a key rebounder, showing potential on both ends of the floor.
Initially, Kuminga thrived, averaging 17.5 points with an impressive shooting percentage in his first six games. However, his performance took a dip in subsequent games, leading up to Wednesday’s matchup with averages of 12.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists over the last six games, with decreased shooting efficiency across the board.
The Warriors’ new starting lineup aimed to bolster shooting efficiency and improve spacing on the court, enhancing driving and passing opportunities. Moody has been particularly effective, making 44.3% of his attempts from three, while Richard is also a strong shooter at 44.1%.
As the Warriors navigate a crucial stretch, the hope is that these strategic adjustments will reignite their competitive spirit and lead to better results as the season progresses.