Warriors coach Kerr explains why he actually “liked” Kuminga ejection

Steve Kerr and Jonathan Kuminga have – rather publicly – not seen eye to eye on many things the fifth-year forward does on a basketball court. 

But when the Warriors forward was ejected from the team’s fourth preseason game, tossed after arguing a no-call on a drive with 0.9 showing on the clock, the coach did not blast his player. 

He actually appreciated the intensity Kuminga showed when he got right in the official’s face to argue his case in Portland on Tuesday.  

“He got fouled, and it was frustration play, and I have no problem with it, because he deserved the foul and he was getting fouled quite a bit,” Kerr told media after the game, later adding, “I love the way he played, I love the fire, the passion. I don’t mind the ejection at all. I kind of liked it, actually. I thought JK was terrific.”

The Warriors defeated the Blazers 118-111. 

Kerr raved about Kuminga’s continued effort to showcase an all-around game. Aside from seven points, he also had four assists while playing the Draymond Green role out of the post and on the wing. 

His activity on the glass was also much improved from Sunday’s game against the Lakers, when Kuminga grabbed zero rebounds. 

“The way he ran on that play, the activity he played with, and he had six boards in one half in 17 minutes, that’s the JK who can really help our team,” Kerr said.  

Kuminga recently signed a two-year, $46.5 million contract after a dramatic summer-long negotiation with the front office. During his introductory press conference, he pledged to focus on more than just scoring, something he has done thus far. 

He has dished out 16 assists in four games, and has, aside from the goose egg in Los Angeles, grabbed at least five rebounds in each of the other three games.