Jonathan Kuminga delivered a stellar performance with 34 points, including the go-ahead free throws, as the Golden State Warriors secured a 109-105 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Saturday. With the Warriors trailing by one, Kuminga was fouled while positioning himself inside against Kevin Durant on an out-of-bounds play with 29 seconds remaining. He calmly sank both free throws, tying his career high in scoring a day after setting it against the Clippers.
Kevin Durant, who led the Suns with 31 points, missed a potential game-tying shot on the ensuing possession. The Warriors sealed the game when Dennis Schroder made two free throws following a loose ball foul by the Suns on the rebound.
The Suns, who held a 65-61 halftime lead, were without Jusuf Nurkic, serving the first three-game suspension from a Friday altercation against the Mavericks. Phoenix also lost Royce O’Neale to a left ankle sprain in the second quarter. Despite Durant’s strong effort, the Suns were held without a field goal in the final 6:48 as Golden State mounted a fourth-quarter comeback.
Stephen Curry contributed 22 points for the Warriors, including a highlight-reel buzzer-beater at halftime. Unfortunately, Warriors youngster Brandin Podziemski exited in the second half due to a lower abdominal strain.
The loss marked Phoenix’s fifth defeat in six games, dropping them below .500 for the first time this season after an 8-1 start. Meanwhile, the Warriors snapped a skid, earning a much-needed win to kick off a six-game homestand following a stretch where they dropped six of seven.
Golden State’s defense was the difference late, and the win improved their record in clutch situations to 9-12 in a league-high 21 such games this season. Let’s provide a grade for each of their players tonight.Â
Jonathan Kuminga: A+
Stats: 34 PTS, 9 REB, 3 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 4 PF, 12-20 FG, 2-5 3PT, 8-12 FT, +9, 34 MIN
Kuminga was the standout performer of the night, delivering a career-high-tying 34 points with efficiency and poise. He was the driving force in Golden State’s comeback, including calmly sinking the go-ahead free throws under pressure. His 12-for-20 shooting, coupled with 9 rebounds and 3 assists, showcased his growth as a two-way player. Kuminga’s ability to rise to the occasion in clutch moments while matching Kevin Durant’s intensity makes his performance deserving of the highest grade.Â
Draymond Green: A-
Stats: 16 PTS, 8 REB, 7 AST, 2 STL, 1 BLK, 1 TO, 1 PF, 6-9 FG, 3-5 3PT, 1-1 FT, +18, 35 MIN
Draymond Green was instrumental in the Warriors’ defensive efforts and overall ball movement. Scoring 16 points on an efficient 6-of-9 shooting, including three 3-pointers, he contributed across the board with 8 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals. His leadership and defensive versatility were key in disrupting Phoenix’s offense late, and his +18 plus/minus reflected his value on both ends of the floor.
Trayce Jackson-Davis: A-
Stats: 16 PTS, 10 REB, 2 AST, 1 STL, 4 BLK, 0 TO, 1 PF, 6-11 FG, 0-0 3PT, 4-4 FT, -11, 23 MIN
Jackson-Davis made a significant impact as a rim protector and rebounder, posting a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. His 4 blocks showcased his defensive prowess, and he contributed efficiently on offense with a 6-for-11 shooting night. While his -11 plus/minus suggests some struggles with the unit at times, his energy and presence in the paint stood out.
Stephen Curry: B+
Stats: 22 PTS, 6 REB, 6 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 5 TO, 3 PF, 9-22 FG, 4-13 3PT, 0-0 FT, +20, 35 MIN
Curry had a solid, though not spectacular, night, contributing 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists. His highlight was a dazzling halftime buzzer-beater, but his 4-for-13 shooting from beyond the arc and 5 turnovers highlighted some inefficiencies. Despite this, his leadership and ability to draw defensive attention were pivotal in creating opportunities for his teammates.
Dennis Schroder: C+
Stats: 11 PTS, 3 REB, 3 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 2 TO, 1 PF, 4-13 FG, 1-7 3PT, 2-2 FT, -1, 34 MIN
Dennis Schroder had a mixed performance, contributing 11 points, including clutch free throws to seal the win, but struggled with efficiency, shooting 4-for-13 from the field. His defense and playmaking were serviceable, though not standout, and his -1 plus/minus reflected his uneven impact on the game.
Andrew Wiggins: C
Stats: 7 PTS, 7 REB, 3 AST, 1 STL, 2 BLK, 1 TO, 2 PF, 3-12 FG, 1-6 3PT, 0-0 FT, +13, 39 MIN
Andrew Wiggins had a quiet night offensively, managing only 7 points on 3-for-12 shooting. While he contributed defensively with 7 rebounds, 2 blocks, and a steal, his offensive struggles and lack of impact in key moments were notable. His +13 plus/minus suggests his presence benefited the team, even if his individual performance lacked polish.
Lindy Waters III: C
Stats: 3 PTS, 4 REB, 1 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 2 PF, 1-3 FG, 1-2 3PT, 0-0 FT, -13, 14 MIN
Waters played limited minutes but managed 3 points and 4 rebounds. His lone made 3-pointer was his only offensive contribution, and his -13 plus/minus reflected the bench’s struggles during his time on the floor. While not a liability, he didn’t significantly influence the game.
Brandin Podziemski: C
Stats: 0 PTS, 2 REB, 0 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 2 PF, 0-1 FG, 0-0 3PT, 0-0 FT, -17, 11 MIN
Podziemski had a minimal impact before leaving due to injury, logging just 11 minutes with no points and 2 rebounds. His -17 plus/minus highlighted the team’s difficulties during his stint, but his grade is more reflective of limited opportunity than poor play.
Buddy Hield: D
Stats: 0 PTS, 0 REB, 1 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 1 PF, 0-7 FG, 0-7 3PT, 0-0 FT, +2, 15 MIN
Hield had an uncharacteristically poor shooting night, going 0-for-7 from the field and failing to score in 15 minutes of action. His lone assist and steal were his only contributions, and his inability to find his rhythm offensively left the Warriors’ bench unit searching for answers.
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