Grading Warriors Players After Ugly 99-93 Win Against Rockets: Jonathan Kuminga Shines

Jonathan Kuminga delivered a career-high 33 points and sealed the game with two clutch layups in the final 1:04, helping the Golden State Warriors snap a five-game losing streak with a 99-93 victory over the hot Houston Rockets who could be a dark horse in the Western Conference considering their season so far. 

Despite missing starters Stephen Curry (knee management) and Draymond Green (calf tightness), both expected back Friday, the Warriors leaned on Kuminga’s standout performance and Andrew Wiggins’ 23 points. Brandin Podziemski added a strong presence on the boards with 12 rebounds, while Kevon Looney contributed 11 in his second start of the season.

The Rockets, led by Alperen Sengun’s 16 points and eight rebounds, struggled to contain the Warriors in the paint, allowing 52 points inside and being out-rebounded 54-45. Dillon Brooks added 15 points for Houston but started cold, missing his first four 3-point attempts. 

Meanwhile, Wiggins provided key sparks, converting two rare four-point plays in the second quarter, including one with 12.2 seconds left that gave the Warriors a 49-43 halftime lead. However, it was Jonathan Kuminga who iced the game with two key layups in the fourth quarter and deserves credit for being the player of the game. 

Golden State’s defense and rebounding proved decisive, holding firm against Houston’s interior play. The Warriors not only stopped their skid but also showcased resilience with crucial contributions from their supporting cast in the absence of their stars. Let’s grade the performances tonight. 

Jonathan Kuminga: A

Stats: 33 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 0 steals, 1 block, 3 turnovers, 3 fouls, 13-22 FG, 3-6 3PT FG, 4-6 FT, 33 mins

Jonathan Kuminga delivered a career-best performance, scoring 33 points on an efficient 13-22 shooting while also grabbing six rebounds and blocking a shot. His offensive versatility shone through, highlighted by three important three-pointers and two clutch layups in the final minutes that secured the Warriors’ victory. Kuminga embraced the spotlight in the absence of Curry and Green, stepping up as a reliable scoring leader.

Andrew Wiggins: B+

Stats: 23 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, 3 turnovers, 2 fouls, 8-15 FG, 3-4 3PT FG, 4-7 FT, 34 mins

Andrew Wiggins complimented Kuminga’s big night with 23 points, nine rebounds, and two steals, shooting a sharp 8-15 from the field. His energy on both ends was pivotal, particularly in the second quarter when he converted two rare four-point plays that gave Golden State momentum heading into halftime. His defensive activity and timely scoring lifted the team during crucial stretches.

Kevon Looney: B

Stats: 4 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 0 turnovers, 3 fouls, 2-7 FG, 0-0 3PT FG, 0-0 FT, 27 mins

Kevon Looney was a force on the boards, collecting 11 rebounds and providing steady defensive presence in the paint. While his offensive output was limited to just four points on 2-7 shooting, his ability to anchor the defense and facilitate ball movement with three assists helped the Warriors dominate the glass and control the game’s pace.

Brandin Podziemski: B-

Stats: 8 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 2 turnovers, 0 fouls, 2-9 FG, 1-3 3PT FG, 3-4 FT, 37 mins

Brandin Podziemski showcased his rebounding prowess with a team-high 12 boards while chipping in eight points and three assists. Although his shooting efficiency (2-9 FG) left room for improvement, his hustle and ability to create second chances proved vital in a gritty team effort.

Gary Payton II: C+

Stats: 6 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 0 turnovers, 5 fouls, 3-7 FG, 0-3 3PT FG, 0-0 FT, 18 mins

Gary Payton II brought energy with six points and six rebounds in 18 minutes but struggled with fouls, picking up five that limited his impact. His defensive intensity and ability to play through contact were valuable, though his offensive struggles (3-7 FG, 0-3 3PT) left him unable to take full advantage of his opportunities.

Kyle Anderson: C+

Stats: 8 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 1 turnover, 0 fouls, 3-5 FG, 0-1 3PT FG, 2-2 FT, 14 mins

Kyle Anderson delivered a modest eight points on 3-5 shooting in just 14 minutes, showcasing his efficiency. While his contributions were limited, he provided some offensive stability off the bench and converted both of his free throws, helping the Warriors maintain their lead in a physical contest.

Buddy Hield: C

Stats: 5 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 1 turnover, 0 fouls, 1-8 FG, 1-6 3PT FG, 2-2 FT, 27 mins

Buddy Hield struggled mightily with his shot, finishing with just five points on 1-8 shooting, including 1-6 from beyond the arc. Although he contributed five rebounds and two assists, his inability to find his rhythm offensively limited his overall impact. The Warriors needed more from him, especially with their stars sidelined.

Trayce Jackson-Davis: C

Stats: 6 points, 0 rebounds, 2 assists, 0 steals, 1 block, 0 turnovers, 1 foul, 3-4 FG, 0-0 3PT FG, 0-0 FT, 21 mins

Trayce Jackson-Davis had a quiet game offensively, scoring six points on 3-4 shooting, but failed to secure a single rebound in his 21 minutes. While he did provide one block and kept his play mistake-free, his lack of presence on the glass limited his contribution in a game where interior play was crucial.

Moses Moody: C

Stats: 6 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 0 turnovers, 1 foul, 1-7 FG, 1-5 3PT FG, 3-6 FT, 23 mins

Moody had a rough shooting night, managing only six points on 1-7 from the field and 1-5 from deep. While he showed effort with one rebound and one assist, his limited scoring efficiency and minimal defensive impact made it a forgettable outing.

Pat Spencer: N/A

Stats: 0 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 0 turnovers, 1 foul, 0-2 FG, 0-0 3PT FG, 0-0 FT, 6 mins

Spencer saw just six minutes of action, finishing scoreless on 0-2 shooting. He grabbed two rebounds and recorded a steal, providing a brief spark but not enough time to leave a lasting impression.

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