The Warriors and the Clippers squared off on Sunday in the most exciting game of the final night of the 2024-25 NBA regular season. The game had huge implications on the Western Conference playoff seeding. A win or loss by either team would either seal a playoff spot or doom them to the Play-In Tournament. The Warriors narrowly lost in a heartbreaking overtime game that went back-and-forth throughout. Steve Kerr and the Warriors’ coaching staff made multiple critical decisions that could have been the difference in the game. The biggest, however, was Kerr’s decision to bench Jonathan Kuminga, giving him a “Did not play- coach’s decision”. Jonathan Kuminga’s DNP against the Clippers didn’t just have implications on Sunday but for him and the Warriors down the line as well.
The Serious Implications of Jonathan Kuminga’s DNP vs Clippers
Warriors Coaching Staff Benches Kuminga vs Clippers
For whatever reason, the Warriors coaching staff decided to bench Kuminga for Sunday’s must-win contest against the Clippers. Kuminga has had an up-and-down season for the Warriors and, since the arrival of Jimmy Butler, has had trouble finding his rhythm for the thriving Warriors offense. Kerr decided that he didn’t want to risk putting Kuminga in against the veteran Clippers.
The last time Kuminga played the Clippers he scored 34 points with 10 rebounds and five assists. This was before his injury, but, shockingly, the Warriors coaching staff decided not to even see if Kuminga could get going in this game. Kuminga could have been used defensively in the game as well. In the final stretch, Kerr went with Gary Payton II to guard James Harden. This was despite Harden getting by Payton for much of the fourth quarter. Kuminga could have been a decent alternative to Payton in those clutch moments.
Jonathan Kuminga’s DNP Could Have Ramifications
Kuminga’s DNP vs the Clippers could have bigger ramifications than we think. First of all, Kuminga and Kerr haven’t always had the best relationship, and Kuminga has been known at times to be unhappy with his role and playing time. Getting benched in the biggest game of the season is a huge deal. Kuminga may not take it well. This puts the Warriors at risk of losing him emotionally for the Play-In Tournament, 2025 NBA playoffs, and even the offseason.
Jonathan Kuminga getting shots up after receiving a DNP in loss to Clippers pic.twitter.com/0fw3tq0ZVI
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) April 13, 2025
Kuminga is a restricted free agent this summer. If he isn’t interested in continuing to play for a coaching staff that doesn’t fully believe in him, Kuminga could sign a big offer sheet elsewhere this summer. This gives the Warriors two options, sign him to a large contract or lose him for nothing.
Will Kuminga Play in the Playoffs?
Many people thought that Kuminga would be an X-factor for the Warriors this postseason. Now it is worth wondering whether he will be a factor at all. Kuminga’s DNP signals that the Warriors’ coaches are willing to try anything for this postseason stretch. Because Kerr, even in the playoffs, often switches up matchups and rotations, Kuminga will likely get his shot at some point.
That is why Kuminga can’t let getting benched on Sunday affect him. Kuminga needs to be ready to step up whenever he is called on. He may have lost his spot as a staple in the Warriors rotation. However, if the Warriors make a deep playoff run they will need him at some point, and he better be ready.
Photo credit: © Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
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