Steve Kerr highlights the major improvement in Jonathan Kuminga’s game after Lakers loss

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The Golden State Warriors suffered their first loss of the preseason.

The Steve Kerr-coached Warriors were held in check by their rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite a 10-point loss, Jonathan Kuminga managed to catch the eye of coach Kerr with his performance.

Jonathan Kuminga impresses once again

In his third season, he’s been playing more confidently and taking on greater responsibility, especially now that Draymond Green is out due to injury.

Kuminga put up 26 points and grabbed three rebounds in just under 24 minutes. He also shot well from deep, going 3-for-5 on three-pointers and hitting seven of his ten free throws.

This came after a standout debut against the Lakers earlier in the week, where he finished with a game-high 24 points off the bench and went a perfect 10-for-12 from the line.

Kerr was asked about how impressive Kuminga has been so far this preseason: “He’s been really good,” Kerr replied. “I think this is such an important time for him.”

Kerr praises Kuminga’s playmaking after loss to Lakers

Steve Kerr and Jonathan Kuminga have had their ups and downs, but those issues didn’t seem to matter on the court this time around.

Without Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, Kerr still found reason to be encouraged in the 126-116 loss, pointing out Kuminga’s playmaking as a bright spot.

“I think he’s had a really good passing camp, he’s done that in scrimmages, he’s seeing the floor well, he’s making some really nice reads,” Kerr said. Kerr continued: “That’s a part of his game that he’s improved for sure.”

Kuminga ended the game with six assists but didn’t grab a single rebound. He did add 13 points for Golden State. The Warriors will be hoping for similar numbers from him once the regular season gets going.

Jonathan Kuminga gives Mike Dunleavy reason to be optimistic

The main storyline for Golden State is still Kuminga’s future. After a summer full of speculation, he finally signed a two-year deal, but questions about his long-term fit haven’t gone away.

There are still reports that the Warriors could look to move him before the season even gets going. Even so, general manager Mike Dunleavy hasn’t wavered in his public support of Kuminga.

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And on this night, Kuminga gave him something positive to point to. While scoring has always been part of his game, playmaking hasn’t—his career average sits at just 2.2 assists per game.