Jonathan Kuminga delivered a breakout performance on Thursday night, scoring a career-high 33 points to propel the Golden State Warriors to a gritty 99-93 victory over the Houston Rockets.
Kuminga’s heroics in the clutch, including two decisive layups in the final 1:04, helped Golden State snap a five-game losing streak in the first game of a challenging home back-to-back.
Despite missing key starters Stephen Curry and Draymond Green due to injuries, the Warriors found a way to grind out a win. Andrew Wiggins added 23 points, while rookie Brandin Podziemski controlled the glass with 12 rebounds, showcasing the depth and determination of this shorthanded Golden State squad.
Kuminga Steps Up in the Spotlight
With Curry sidelined to manage knee pain and Green nursing calf tightness, Kuminga rose to the occasion as the team’s offensive anchor. The 21-year-old forward attacked the rim relentlessly and displayed poise under pressure, scoring eight points in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.
“It feels good to help the team get a win,” Kuminga said postgame. “We all knew we needed to step up with Steph and Dray out, and everyone did their part tonight.”
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Wiggins Finds His Groove
Wiggins, who had been questionable with an ankle impingement, played a pivotal role, especially in the first half. He drained back-to-back four-point plays—one to tie the game late in the second quarter and another to extend the Warriors’ lead just before halftime. These timely buckets swung the momentum in Golden State’s favor heading into the break.
Takeaways from the Game
Warriors: Kevon Looney stepped into the starting lineup for just the second time this season and made his presence felt with 11 rebounds. The Warriors also dominated the paint, outscoring Houston 52-40 and outrebounding the Rockets 54-45. These gritty efforts were essential to overcoming their shooting struggles from beyond the arc (7-for-28).
Rockets: Alperen Sengun led Houston with 16 points and eight rebounds, but the team’s offense sputtered in key moments. Dillon Brooks, often a thorn in Golden State’s side, started 1-for-6 from the field and missed his first four 3-point attempts before finishing with 15 points.
Key Moment: Wiggins’ Four-Point Flurry
Wiggins ignited the Chase Center crowd with two four-point plays in the second quarter. The first tied the game at 40 with 3:29 left in the half, and the second extended the Warriors’ lead to six as the teams headed into the locker room. Those momentum-shifting plays highlighted Wiggins’ ability to step up in Curry’s absence.
Key Stat: Warriors Control the Boards
Golden State’s dominance on the boards was a game-changer. They outrebounded Houston 54-45 and grabbed crucial offensive rebounds to extend possessions, a critical factor in a low-scoring, tightly contested matchup.
Rockets’ Struggles Continue
Houston, dealing with internal challenges after fines and ejections in their previous game, couldn’t capitalize on Golden State’s absences. The team’s shooting woes from deep (9-for-30) and inconsistent play in the second half allowed the Warriors to grind out the win.
What’s Next?
The Rockets will look to regroup as they visit the Clippers on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Warriors have little time to celebrate, hosting the Timberwolves on Friday in what promises to be another tough test.
Golden State’s victory underscores the importance of depth and resilience, with Kuminga’s standout performance offering a glimpse of his potential to lead when the stakes are high.