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ATLANTA, GEORGIA - FEBRUARY 24: Jonathan Kuminga #0 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts with Dyson Daniels #5 during the third quarter against the Washington Wizards at State Farm Arena on February 24, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
On Tuesday night, the Atlanta Hawks played the Washington Wizards at State Farm Arena in Georgia.
There was a lot of emotion in the arena, as Trae Young (who did not play) made his return to Atlanta for the first time as a member of an opposing roster.
In addition, the Jonathan Kuminga made his Hawks debut after getting traded (via the Golden State Warriors) earlier this month.
Jonathan Kuminga Made Atlanta Hawks History
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 24: Jonathan Kuminga #0 of the Atlanta Hawks dunks during the third quarter against the Washington Wizards at State Farm Arena on February 24, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. . (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Kuminga had an excellent night, finishing with 27 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals while shooting 9/12 from the field and 3/4 from three-point range in 24 minutes of playing time.
The Atlanta Hawks wrote: “JONATHAN KUMINGA IN HIS HAWKS DEBUT: 27 PTS – SEASON HIGH 9-12 FG | 3-4 3-PT FG 7 REB | 4 AST 2 STL WELCOME TO ATLANTA 🔥”
Kuminga also made Hawks history with his performance.
The Hawks added: “Jonathan Kuminga became the first Hawk ever to score 25+ PTS in less than 30 MIN in his team debut 😮”
Kuminga is averaging 12.8 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.6 assists per contest while shooting 47.1% from the field and 35.1% from three-point range in 21 games.
He was the seventh pick in the 2021 NBA Draft (and was with the Warriors when they won the 2022 title over the Boston Celtics).
At just 23, Kuminga could end up being a key player for the Hawks going forward.
ClutchPoints wrote (as part of a longer post): “It’s the most points by a Hawks player off the bench in their debut. He didn’t look like a guy who needed development minutes. He looked like someone who needed a real chance. Golden State once built a dynasty by trusting the young forward over the established one. This time, they protected the foundation. Atlanta just handed the young guy the ball. And he responded immediately.”
ClutchPoints
The Warriors once had the guts to make the uncomfortable move.
David Lee was an All-Star. Productive. Proven.
But they saw what was coming with Draymond Green and didn’t hesitate. They didn’t make Draymond “earn it” by fighting end-of-bench guys. They didn’t bury him in random
The Hawks are coming off back-to-back seasons of losing in the play-in tournament.
They are now the ninth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 29-31 record in 60 games.
Over their last ten games, the Hawks have gone 5-5 (and they have won two in a row).
On Thursday night, the Hawks will play the Wizards (again) at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
The Golden State Warriors wrote (in 2022): “Jonathan Kuminga first learned the game by watching Kobe highlights at an internet cafe in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Now at 19 years old, he’s an NBA champion.”
The Hawks were also led by Nickeil Alexander-Walker in the victory.
He put up 16 points, three rebounds, five assists and two steals while shooting 4/10 from the field in 25 minutes of playing time.
On the other side, the Wizards dropped to 16-41 in 57 games, which has them as the 13th seed in the Eastern Conference.
They are in the middle of a two-game losing streak (and 4-6 over their last ten).
On the road, the Wizards have gone 5-22 in the 27 games they have played away from Washington, D.C.