The Golden State Warriors might not have Stephen Curry in the lineup right now, but oh boy, did Steve Kerr make it crystal clear mid-game on Saturday: Jonathan Kuminga is very much on the menu.

During Game 3 of the Warriors-Timberwolves Western Conference Semifinals, ABC’s Katie George dropped an absolute mid-broadcast bombshell. According to Katie, “Kerr said he was so impressed with Kuminga—his play in Game 2, but more importantly, the way he’s handled everything the last few weeks, staying ready, continuing to work even when he is out of the rotation, and then they didn’t get his rhythm back, find his moment, and he did that in Game 2.”

Yes. Steve Kerr is on the Kuminga Kool-Aid again. And honestly? It’s about time.

Jonathan Kuminga has gone from “DNP – Coach’s Whim” to “OMG he just got the block and the AND-1” in Game 3. In just six minutes in the first quarter, the 22-year-old exploded for 6 points, 1 rebound, and a block—and then kept it rolling with more juice in the second quarter, ending the half with 12 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks on 5-of-7 shooting.

Let’s be honest—his efficiency was smoother than Drake sliding into DMs. While other Warriors’ shot percentages were collapsing faster than a crypto Ponzi scheme, Kuminga was out there operating like a Swiss army knife with a motor.

And this isn’t just a one-game fluke. Game 2 saw him rise from the ashes like a basketball phoenix, despite the Warriors getting smacked 117-93. Kuminga, alongside Trayce Jackson-Davis, was one of the only bright spots. They combined for 33 points on 14-of-17 shooting, which is like hitting on 4th and 20…and converting.

Not even a month ago, Kerr went on the radio and straight up roasted the idea of running Jonathan Kuminga, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green together. Said the trio had no spacing. Called it clunky. Basically treated it like pineapple on pizza—some people love it, but he just couldn’t stomach it.

Fast forward to now? The chef’s back in the kitchen, and Kerr is cooking with that same spicy three-man combo. Asked why he suddenly changed his mind, Kerr did the ultimate NBA coach tap dance: “Without Steph, things change. We’ll see what it looks like.”

Still, the Kuminga-Butler pairing was solid in Game 2 and got an extended run again in Game 3. It helps that Kuminga doesn’t just rely on jumpers—he slashes, he hustles, he defends like his MyCAREER rating depends on it.

Kuminga Tries to Power Up Steph-less Warriors

With Curry out until possibly Game 6 due to a hamstring strain suffered in Game 1, Golden State needs more than magic—they need Jonathan Kuminga’s athleticism and Trayce Jackson-Davis’ efficiency. Trayce, by the way, is now starting. Yep. After riding the pine in three of the previous eight playoff games, dude gets the nod and delivers. In Game 2? He went 6-for-6 with 15 points. In Game 3’s first quarter, he opened with a slick 2-for-2 before exiting early in the second.

Meanwhile, Jimmy Butler has been trying to carry the load (he had 18 points by halftime), but it’s been an uphill climb with Buddy Hield and Brandin Podziemski shooting worse than Adam Sandler’s free throw form in “Uncut Gems.” Podziemski was 0-for-6 at the half. Hield was 0-for-3. The 3-point shooting, as a team? 0-for-5 by halftime. That’s not just cold, it’s cryogenically frozen.

This is the first time in 18 years that the Warriors have ended the first half without a single three!

Draymond Green quietly made NBA playoff history. In Game 2, he reached 1,000 career playoff assists, becoming just the 15th player ever to do it. It’s a big moment, and Game 3—being at Chase Center—finally gave him the recognition he deserves. Green also added 2 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 fouls by halftime. You know. Classic Draymond stat line.

If the Warriors want to keep this series alive until Curry maybe returns for Game 6, Kuminga’s gotta stay unleashed like a caffeinated toddler with a Nerf gun. He’s been the injection of energy this team needs.

Katie George saw it. Steve Kerr’s admitting it. And the numbers don’t lie. With Kuminga’s shot chart beaming and his confidence soaring, there’s real hope in San Francisco—even if the Warriors’ offense looks like it was designed in a Sims game without cheat codes.