Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga was fined $35,000 for his actions toward the official
SAN FRANCISCO – The NBA has fined Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga $35,000 for actions that led to his ejection late in the first half of a preseason win in Portland on Tuesday night.
Kuminga was upset after not receiving a whistle for a shot attempt with seven seconds left in the second quarter. Kuminga stumbled while attempting a powerful transition pass through two defenders, missed a corner kick and immediately chased down nearby official Rodney Motte, clapping in Motte’s face. Kuminga’s death was expelled.
Two days later, the league fined Kuminga for “making inappropriate contact with a game official and continuing to pursue him.”
After the game, Warriors coach Steve Kerr said he “kind of liked it [the ejection]”Actually” because he was looking for more fire from Kuminga.
“He got fouled,” Kerr said. “It was a frustrating game. I don’t have a problem with that. He deserved the foul. He got fouled a little bit. It was a physical game.”
After some contentious contract negotiations this summer, Kuminga returned to the Warriors on a two-year, $46.8 million contract earlier this month, arriving at training camp two days late. He showed some improvement in his playmaking in the preseason and had 7 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists at the moment of his ejection.
“The way he ran [the ejection] “The play, the energy he played with, the rebounding,” Kerr said. “This is JK who can really help our team. I liked the way he played. I like the fire, the passion, and I don’t mind getting sent off at all.”
Kuminga’s arm appeared to be hit during the drive, but he told ESPN in the locker room after the game that he was very upset about hurting his right ankle during the combine move. Kuminga severely sprained his right ankle last season, and said he had flashbacks to that injury when Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdia accidentally stepped on him, causing him to lose his temper at the referee.
“I wasn’t surprised he got fired because he walked right in [Mott’s] “Your face,” Kerr said. “You can’t do that. They’ll fire you if you do that.”