In the absence of Draymond Green, the starting lineup tonight featured the new favorites going forward. And Jonathan Kuminga was one among them. Scoring 17 points, two assists, and seven rebounds, Kuminga is emerging as a solid support. But JK credits the current mentality of the younger players to Coach Kerr.

Post-game saw him answering exactly this question. When asked about the meeting that changed the mindset of the young Warriors, Kuminga said that it’s largely due to the veterans. “They’re not coming to lose a game. They’re coming to win a game.” 

So much so that the rookies of the team have adapted themselves to a point where they come to work, believing that they don’t have to go about losing games when there is a clear opportunity to take home the victory. Kuminga is not wrong about how much the veterans are affecting the next generation of Warriors.

The locker room dynamics and the very public opinions about them are more than enough to boost their confidence.

The vets love their rookies

An apparent incident of the veteran Warriors’ love and admiration for the rookies happened during their four-game road trip in Oklahoma City. After the first game saw Podziemski and Trayce missing, Draymond Green and Chris Paul were quite unhappy with the absence.

Read More: Warriors Adapting to Life Without Draymond Green, says HC Steve Kerr

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Of course, this prompted the management to whisk both of them to Cleveland. Even though the post-road trip saw Anthony Slater point out one of the reasons as hazing, it was clear from Green‘s comments that the rookies have become a valuable part of the squad for the energy they bring. “We need those guys here, because they bring a lot of juice for us… And we don’t have to tell those guys to bring energy, they do every single day,” he had said.

Clearly, the energy they bring is not just isolated to the sidelines or locker room. As and when the team needs them, the young Dubs have stepped up. From Curry, and Thompson to Kerr, there’s not one person who hasn’t praised the rookies for their marvelous display of competitiveness and accountability on the floor.

In the following days, their roles will become even more crucial for the title chances of Golden State. Hopefully, they can continue the high level of performance they have put up so far!

Watch This Story: Steve Kerr Makes Bold Promise to 20YO Brandin Podziemski for Heroics in Stephen Curry’s Absence