Jonathan Kuminga admits being “nervous” about late free throws, credits Andrew Wiggins for newfound confidence

Warriors star Jonathan Kuminga opened up on the last moment nerves during his recent matchup against the Suns in the NBA.

Jonathan Kuminga admits being “nervous” about late free throws, credits Andrew Wiggins for newfound confidence

Jonathan Kuminga

The Golden State Warriors welcomed the Phoenix Suns on Saturday night to finish a challenging back-to-back after dropping back to .500 with another defeat on Friday night. They were also up against one of the best forwards in NBA history, Kevin Durant. However, it was Durant’s replacement and Warriors star Jonathan Kuminga‘s night at the Chase Center.

Jonathan Kuminga was the standout player in a game packed with future Hall of Famers. Kuminga, one of the team’s few bright spots, was outstanding on Friday as well. In the latest post-match press conference, Kuminga did admit that he was ‘nervous.’ This was during the late free throws and seeked help from teammate Andrew Wiggins.

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I thought great, missed couple, no, I was nervous and okay I ain’t gonna lie you know, never been in that situation… I’m glad I made those two…Wiggings kind of like helped me and game me a little tip to shoot and I feel like I’m getting better at it.

Jonathan Kuminga said

Also, the majority of the fourth-year wing’s best performances have occurred while his star teammate is not playing. In addition, Steve Kerr candidly discussed after the game how the Warriors coaches were considering ways for Kuminga to continue to excel even when Stephen Curry is healthy.

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Jonathan Kuminga matched his career-high of 34 points and harassed Durant on defense as the fourth quarter came to a close. Kuminga scored 13 of his 34 points in the fourth quarter. Also, he went 12-for-20 overall. This was including 8-for-12 from the foul line. He outscored Durant (31 points, 8 turnovers) and led the Warriors (16–15) to a much-needed victory.

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Draymond Green offered important advice to Jonathan Kuminga in Suns matchup

During Friday night’s post-game news conference at Chase Center, Draymond Green was outspoken in his mentoring of the Dubs’ youth. That said, he was gushing about the Congolese forward, Jonathan Kuminga. Not only that, Green also opened up on the important advice he gave Kuminga during the match against the Suns.

Even when he’s on the floor with Steph, we’re all looking for him…You know, he had 3 assists tonight. That’s cool but bottom line is we don’t need him to average much more than that. Go score the basketball, and that’s what he’s doing for us.

Draymond Green said

In addition, Green commended Kuminga for his ability to bounce back from each role shift he has experienced in his first four NBA seasons. The path to the top isn’t always straight Green stated. He also drew comparisons between the 22-year-old’s trajectory to that of future Hall of Famers, James Harden and Stephen Curry.