Why Warriors Benched Jonathan Kuminga in Pivotal Regular Season Finale

Why Warriors benched Jonathan Kuminga in a must-win season finale surprised fans. Here’s the reasoning behind it and what it means for the playoffs.

A Shocking Move in a Must-Win Game

In a game with playoff implications on the line, the Golden State Warriors made a surprising decision: Jonathan Kuminga, one of their most dynamic young talents, did not play a single minute in the team’s regular season finale. The decision raised eyebrows across the NBA landscape and left many fans wondering: why bench Kuminga now?

With the Warriors fighting for a better seed—or even to stay out of the play-in tournament—every possession mattered. And yet, head coach Steve Kerr opted to go with a tighter, veteran-heavy rotation, leaving Kuminga on the bench throughout the game.

Context: Kuminga’s Rising Role All Season

Throughout the 2024–2025 season, Jonathan Kuminga has shown tremendous growth. The 21-year-old forward has averaged career-highs in points, rebounds, and efficiency, while also taking on more responsibility defensively. His athleticism, versatility, and ability to finish at the rim made him a key part of the Warriors’ second unit—and often a spark plug when the starters needed help.

In the weeks leading up to the finale, Kuminga had several strong performances, including a 24-point night against the Suns and a double-double in a win over the Lakers. His energy and pace often helped the Warriors control tempo, especially when Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson sat.

So why sit him when it mattered most?

Steve Kerr’s Strategy: Experience Over Youth

After the game, Steve Kerr addressed the media, saying: “We made a strategic decision to go with our most experienced group in a high-pressure situation. We needed to prioritize execution and spacing.”

Kerr’s comments reflect a consistent coaching philosophy: in high-stakes games, he tends to trust veterans—players who’ve been through the playoffs and understand his system inside out. That often means shorter rotations, fewer experimental lineups, and unfortunately for young players like Kuminga, fewer opportunities.

In the finale, the Warriors leaned heavily on Curry, Thompson, Wiggins, Draymond Green, and Chris Paul. Even Gary Payton II and Kevon Looney saw minutes ahead of Kuminga, likely for their defensive consistency.

Was It the Right Call?

That depends who you ask. The Warriors won the game—but just barely. At times, the offense looked stagnant, and the second unit struggled to generate easy looks. Kuminga’s absence was noticeable, particularly when the team needed a boost of energy in the second and third quarters.

Critics argue that benching Kuminga could hurt his confidence, especially after he’s worked so hard to establish himself as a reliable contributor. Others point to his sometimes inconsistent decision-making as a reason to sit him in favor of more predictable veteran play.

What This Means for the Playoffs

The bigger question is whether Kuminga will be part of the Warriors’ playoff rotation moving forward. If Kerr continues to prioritize experience, Kuminga may find himself in a reduced role—even if his skill set could make a difference against athletic teams.

Still, playoff series are long, and depth is often tested. Kuminga may yet have a chance to shine, especially if injuries or matchups demand his speed and athleticism.

Final Thoughts

Benching Jonathan Kuminga in such a critical game was a calculated gamble by Steve Kerr. While it may have paid off in the short term, it raises long-term questions about how the Warriors balance development and winning now. Fans hope it’s not a sign of shrinking trust in Kuminga, but rather a one-game adjustment based on strategy.

Whatever the reason, one thing is clear: Kuminga’s future with the Warriors—and his role in the playoffs—remains one of the most intriguing storylines to watch.