What a stellar defensive display from the Golden State Warriors as they ended their seven-game losing streak against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Jimmy Butler led all scorers with 21 points, along with five rebounds and five assists.
The Warriors have had an incredible start to the season, and the confidence gained from finally beating the Clippers could elevate Golden State to a new level.
Kuminga will be a concrete starter going forward
Any hopes of Golden State winning at the highest level hinge on Jonathan Kuminga.
Before the matchup against the Clippers, head coach Steve Kerr made it clear that Kuminga is, and will continue to be, a starter for the Warriors.
“He’s been fantastic. Last night, put him on Ja. Tonight, we will put him on James Harden. I think he’s ready.”
NBA: Los Angeles Clippers at Golden State Warriors
Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images
Harden scored only 20 points in the game, with zero points in the second half. Kuminga plays a crucial role on defense, grabbing rebounds and making smarter shot choices, and he’s looking more complete with each game.
The relationship between player and coach often goes unnoticed, but Kuminga earning Kerr’s trust suggests the best is yet to come from the young forward.
Butler the true connector for the Warriors
Butler has been on fire this season.
Against the Clippers, he shot an impressive 75% from the field, and even more remarkable is his season-long performance.
In five games, Butler is shooting 57% from three and has become the first Warrior ever to record back-to-back games with 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists on 75% shooting from the field.
From his work ethic and mentorship of Kuminga to being an exceptional teammate, it’s fair to say he’s already one of the most vital Warriors in the Stephen Curry era.
The only thing left is for him to win that elusive championship.
The Warriors look like contenders this season
Starting the season 4-1, the Warriors look every bit like contenders through five games.
While it’s a small sample size, the team’s trajectory doesn’t rely solely on Curry’s greatness.
NBA: Los Angeles Clippers at Golden State Warriors
Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images
He remains the leader, but this team features versatile players, plays tremendous defense, can perform above the rim, and is no longer a liability during non-Curry minutes.
A full season of Butler and Kuminga playing at this level could spell trouble for the rest of the NBA.