Jonathan Kuminga’s impressive 29-point performance led the Golden State Warriors to a commanding 121-101 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies during Friday’s NBA action.
Stephen Curry contributed 20 points, six assists, and six rebounds, while Klay Thompson added 14 points, helping the Warriors secure their second consecutive win. Kuminga showcased his efficiency by shooting 11 for 15, including a 3-pointer, and has now scored over 20 points in eight consecutive games.
Warriors’ head coach Steve Kerr praised Kuminga’s recent form, attributing it to his improved understanding and execution on the court.
“The game has slowed down for him,” Kerr said. “He’s understanding when to attack, how to attack. … He’s just so powerful and explosive going to the rim.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors, Jaren Jackson Jr, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
The Warriors capitalized on their sharpshooting, hitting 55% of their attempts and making 11 of 29 three-point shots, with Curry sinking four of his nine long-range efforts.
Draymond Green contributed nine points, 12 rebounds, and six assists. Rookie Brandin Podziemski, from Santa Clara, had a standout game with 14 assists, a personal best, alongside 12 points and seven rebounds, notably committing zero turnovers, a stat Podziemski took particular pride in.
“I’m more proud of the zero turnovers than the 14 assists,” Podziemski said.
The Grizzlies were led by Jaren Jackson Jr., who scored 27 points, while Jacob Gilyard had a career-high 16 points and Vince Williams Jr. added 15 points, six rebounds, and four assists. Despite these efforts, the Grizzlies faced their fourth consecutive defeat, with coach Taylor Jenkins acknowledging the team’s struggle amidst injuries but praising their competitive spirit.
“Guys competed,” said Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins, who is putting together some creative makeshift lineups due to injuries that have decimated his starters. “The guys are fighting. Battling.”
The Warriors extended their lead to double digits towards the end of the third quarter and maintained it through the fourth. Despite the Grizzlies’ efforts to close the gap, they couldn’t match the Warriors’ offensive surge, highlighted by consecutive three-pointers from Kuminga and Curry, with Curry’s late three-pointer nearly clinching the victory.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors, Jaren Jackson Jr, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
The focus on slowing down Memphis’ fastbreak and maintaining defensive intensity in the final quarter was crucial for the Warriors, as Kuminga noted.
“It was more just trying to eliminate their fastbreak,” Kuminga said. “We just had to slow them down and stay locked in at the end of the game.”
Both teams had faced challenges leading up to the game, with the Warriors looking to improve after losing four of their previous six games and the Grizzlies struggling with injuries and closing out games.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors, Jaren Jackson Jr, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Kuminga’s perfect shooting in the second quarter helped the Warriors outscore Memphis 33-24, leading to a 57-47 halftime advantage. Memphis struggled offensively throughout the game, finishing with a 40% shooting rate and 14 for 46 from three-point range.
