Jimmy Butler's Strong Statement on Jonathan Kuminga After Warriors' Loss

It wasn’t the result Steve Kerr and the Golden State Warriors were hoping for on Saturday night. Back at home in San Francisco’s Chase Center for Game 3 of their second-round playoff series, the Warriors aimed to seize momentum after splitting the first two games on the road in Minneapolis.

But the Minnesota Timberwolves had other ideas.

Minnesota edged out a 102-97 win to take a 2-1 series lead, leaving the Warriors searching for answers. Still, one silver lining for Golden State was the breakout performance of Jonathan Kuminga, who poured in 30 points off the bench.

Following the game, teammate Jimmy Butler had high praise for the 22-year-old forward.

“It’s a beautiful sight to see," Butler said. "But like I tell everybody, me and him can thrive together… He did so many good things out there on the floor, and I know he’s gonna be a huge part of us winning on Monday.”

Kuminga’s performance didn’t just earn admiration—it made history. He became the youngest player in franchise history to score 30 or more points off the bench in a playoff game.

Butler and Kuminga combined for 63 of the Warriors’ 97 points. Buddy Hield was the only other player in double figures, finishing with 14 points. Meanwhile, Draymond Green struggled again, managing just two points, two rebounds and four assists—his second consecutive underwhelming outing.

Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler.

© Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

Kuminga, now wrapping up his fourth season with Golden State, is making the most of his expanded role. After limited minutes against Houston in the first round, he’s stepped up big in this series. He played 13 minutes in the opener against Minnesota and ramped that up to 35 minutes in Game 3.

The Warriors continue to play without Steph Curry, who suffered a hamstring injury during their Game 1 win. While there’s speculation Curry could return for Game 5, nothing has been confirmed by the team.

Golden State and Minnesota will face off again Monday night at the Chase Center for Game 4, where the Warriors hope to even the series.