After hitting a slump, which saw them lose five out of their last six games, the Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr decided to make a massive change to the team’s starting lineup against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday. Franchise star Draymond Green was benched, with Jonathan Kuminga taking his place in the starting lineup.
The switch didn’t work in the Warriors’ favor, considering that they suffered a 107-90 loss. The team had a rough offensive night while having to deal with a hot Anthony Edwards, who led the Timberwolves with 30 points and nine assists.
Coming off the bench didn’t seem to rattle Green too much, as he scored 10 points and added six assists and nine rebounds. Kuminga spent 29 minutes on the floor, second most among the Warriors, and finished the game with 13 points, two rebounds, and an assist.
Speaking with reporters after the game, Kerr hinted that starting Kuminga might not be a one-time thing. Green, on the other hand, said that he didn’t mind sacrificing his status as a starter if it would help the team.
“Of course, I’m OK with it,” Green said Friday night. “I have been one of JK’s biggest fans since he’s been here … So if his opportunity goes through me, then it is what it is. He earned the opportunity. He played extremely well [Thursday]. You want to give that another look or two or three or four or however long. If it works, then you continue with it.”
The Warriors started the 2024-25 season with a 12-3 record before going 1-6 in the past seven games. They play the Timberwolves again on Sunday night before facing the Houston Rockets in the NBA Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday.
