Jonathan Kuminga, Warriors.
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Jonathan Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors reacts after drawing a foul.
The NBA has fined Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga $35,000 for “making inappropriate contact with and continuing to pursue a game official,” the league announced Thursday.
The incident occurred with 0.9 seconds remaining in the second quarter of Golden State’s 118–111 preseason win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Oct. 14 at Moda Center. Kuminga was assessed a technical foul and ejected after confronting referee Rodney Mott following a missed call on a drive to the basket.
According to the league’s statement, the 23-year-old forward’s behavior crossed a line when he made physical contact while continuing to argue with Mott.
Frustration Boils Over After Missed Foul Call
The sequence began when Kuminga barreled through two Portland defenders in transition, appeared to absorb contact on his right arm, and missed a layup. Upset that no foul was called, Kuminga clapped emphatically in Mott’s face and continued to protest. Mott immediately issued a technical and ejected him from the game.
Kuminga later told ESPN’s Anthony Slater that his reaction stemmed from more than just frustration over the no-call. He said he was concerned about his right ankle, which had been badly sprained last season. During the drive, Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija inadvertently stepped on his foot — a moment that, Kuminga said, triggered a flashback to his previous injury.
Steve Kerr Defends Kuminga’s Passion and Energy
After the game, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr surprised reporters by defending Kuminga’s fiery response — even expressing some approval of his emotional edge.
“It was a physical game, and the way he ran on that play, the activity he played with, the rebounding — that’s the JK who can really help our team,” Kerr said. “I love the fire, the passion. I don’t mind the ejection at all, I kind of liked it actually. I thought JK was terrific.”
Kerr added that while Kuminga crossed a line with the official, he appreciated the competitive intensity his young forward displayed — a quality the Warriors have been trying to cultivate heading into the 2025–26 season.
“He got fouled,” Kerr continued. “It was a frustration play. I have no problem with it. He was getting fouled quite a bit. It was a physical game.”
Despite the ejection, Kuminga expressed gratitude for the support he received from teammates and coaches.
“It means a lot,” Kuminga said after the game.
Kuminga’s Improved Play Shines Despite Ejection
Before his ejection, Kuminga was having one of his most complete preseason performances, posting 7 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists in 17 minutes. Through the preseason, he’s averaging 7.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in 18.4 minutes per game, shooting 52.4% from the field and 33.3% from three-point range.
After a tense offseason of contract negotiations, Kuminga returned to the Warriors on a two-year, $48.5 million contract earlier this month.
The $35,000 fine, while notable, will hardly dent Kuminga’s new salary. After earning roughly $7.6 million last season, his salary jumps to $22.5 million in 2025–26.
Warriors Hope Fiery Kuminga Signals Growth, Not Frustration
Despite the fine and ejection, the Warriors see Kuminga’s flare-up as a sign of passion rather than immaturity. Kerr and the coaching staff have long encouraged the 23-year-old to play with emotion while channeling it in a productive manner.
“I wasn’t surprised he got ejected, because he kind of got right in Rodney’s face,” Kerr said. “You can’t do that — they’re going to eject you if you do. But I like the fire, the energy, the emotion. JK is having an excellent camp, and I’m excited about how he looks.”
With the Warriors entering what may be Stephen Curry’s final championship window, Kuminga’s development is critical. His defensive versatility and athleticism give Golden State much-needed youth in a veteran-heavy rotation.
The organization hopes this episode — while costly — reflects a player learning to walk the line between competitive fire and composure.