Let’s not sugarcoat it — the Golden State Warriors got dunked out of the playoffs like a stale Oreo in hot milk. The Minnesota Timberwolves slammed the door shut on Golden State’s postseason hopes with a 121-110 win in Game 5, sending the Dubs packing, Steph limping, and Draymond probably yelling at someone. But in the middle of the chaos, one name stood taller than Rudy Gobert in platforms: Jonathan Kuminga.

With Stephen Curry benched due to a hamstring that betrayed him harder than Judas in the Last Supper sequel, someone had to step up. And step up Kuminga did — with the kind of “I’m him” energy that would make even Kanye humble for a minute.

Let’s talk facts, not feelings. In Game 5, Jonathan Kuminga dropped 26 points off the bench, going 11-of-23 from the field and hitting 3-of-9 from three. Yeah, the three-point percentage could use a GPS, but still — the man was balling. Add in 3 boards, 2 steals, and a solid 32 minutes of hustle, and suddenly the “why don’t they play Kuminga more?” crowd turned into prophets.

And oh, he led the entire Warriors squad in scoring across the series. That’s right. Kuminga was the top bucket-getter while the vets were out there playing like their batteries needed charging. He finished 5th in total minutes, which makes you wonder: how do you lead the team in points while only being 5th in minutes? You either have magical powers or you’re just that guy.

Cue TNT’s Inside the NBA, where the roundtable turned into a roast and therapy session rolled into one.

Charles Barkley, aka Mr. “I say what I want,” said what every Warriors fan has been mumbling under their breath since December: “You gotta make a decision. You can’t go to war with three old guys against the West.” Tell ’em, Chuck.

Then Kenny Smith hit with the killer stat: “They didn’t extend him. And they don’t play him when Steph is there. Meaning, his contribution, they don’t feel helps when Steph is there.” the Warriors treat Kuminga like a side character in a franchise he’s supposed to lead next.

“He’s the only guy on that bench that’s explosive. And he’s the only one you look at and say, ‘He can play with these Wolves guys.’” Chuck said. That’s big praise from a guy who once said Sacramento needed to move to Seattle.

The Numbers Don’t Lie (But Buddy Hield’s Jumper Might)

Let’s break this down like a Drake album: Kuminga this season: 15.3 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 2.2 APG on 45.4% shooting. Game 5 vs. Timberwolves: 26 PTS, 3 REB, 2 STL, 11-23 FG. Contract situation: He’s heading into restricted free agency. And the Warriors didn’t extend him, meaning they’re playing the “Let’s see what other people offer” game like a bad Tinder date.

Meanwhile, the rest of the Warriors’ bench was giving “mid” in all caps. Buddy Hield shot 2-of-9. Draymond Green was out there committing fouls like he was speed-running NBA 2K’s “foul out in 5 minutes” challenge. Jimmy Butler had 17 points but looked more Miami Heat than Golden State.

Brandin Podziemski did cook, scoring a career-high 28 points and becoming the youngest Warriors player to drop 28+ in a playoff game. Respect. But again, this was Kuminga’s series to shine, and he did.

Now here’s where things get juicy. Kuminga is just 21 years old. His ceiling? Somewhere near a SpaceX rocket. He’s long, explosive, strong, and he showed in this series he can hang with legit playoff beasts.

But the Warriors have to decide: Do they invest in the future — aka Kuminga, Podziemski, Moses Moody, and maybe a few prayers? Or do they try to re-up around Steph and Draymond for one last run that’ll probably end with Dray yelling at a ref?

Because here’s the reality: Kuminga’s the bridge to the next era. And if the Warriors fumble this bag, another team will be waiting to snatch him up faster than a TikTok trend. Jonathan Kuminga showed out. He went from “Why isn’t he playing more?” to “Why isn’t he the focal point?” The Warriors may have lost the battle to Minnesota, but they might just have won something even bigger: the revelation that Kuminga could be the key to whatever comes next.

All that’s left now is for Golden State to decide — pay the man or play him somewhere else? And if they let him walk? Don’t be shocked if Kuminga spends the next decade lighting up Chase Center like it’s personal.

Because for him? It is.