Kuminga explodes for a season-high 27 points, finding his rhythm and connecting with new teammates in a dominant Hawks debut.
Jonathan Kuminga delivered a season-high 27 points in his debut with the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night, helping power a 119-98 victory over the Washington Wizards at State Farm Arena.
For Kuminga, the performance was about more than just the box score. After missing his first six games with Atlanta while recovering from a left knee bone bruise suffered late in his tenure with the Golden State Warriors, the 23-year-old forward focused on reconnecting with the game and integrating himself into a new locker room.
“I think is very simple. It’s basketball at the end of the day, I try to be a student of the game, as much as I can to kind of be learning from other players here, from JJ (Jalen Johnson) and Nickeil, just asking them questions about pretty much everything, just trying to pick their brain,” Kuminga said.
Kuminga checked into the contest midway through the first quarter and immediately energized the Hawks. Within moments, he contributed in multiple facets — facilitating ball movement, finishing in transition and defending actively. During his initial stint, he recorded a fast-break dunk, knocked down a three-pointer, dished out four assists, grabbed two rebounds and collected a steal.
He ultimately finished with 27 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals in nearly 24 1/2 minutes of action. His production came efficiently and within the flow of the offense, a point emphasized by head coach Quin Snyder following the game.
“He connected with his teammates and let the game come to him,” Snyder said. “The things we talked about as a team, clearly it was a focal point for us. Playing with the pass, as you heard me say it, since October, and he really demonstrated that right away, to the point where I told him, ‘It’s okay to shoot.’ But he let himself get into the game and got connected with his teammates, and just let the game come to him, which I think that shows a lot of maturity on his part, and shows a lot of kind of how he feels about the group.”
Kuminga’s role expanded earlier than expected when All-Star forward Jalen Johnson exited in the first quarter with a left hip flexor injury and did not return. The Hawks adjusted seamlessly, using Kuminga’s athleticism and versatility to maintain pace and defensive pressure.
The outing marked a notable shift in opportunity for Kuminga, who began the season as a starter in Golden State, averaging 12.1 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game in limited action before seeing his playing time diminish. Atlanta acquired Kuminga and guard Buddy Hield at the trade deadline in a deal that sent center Kristaps Porzingis to Golden State.
Despite outside narratives surrounding his departure, Kuminga reiterated that his focus remains internal.
“Everybody has an opinion,” Kuminga said. “I really don't play attention to what anyone else is saying. We're trying to win as many games as we can here. That's my main focus.”
With Tuesday’s victory, the Hawks showcased both their depth and the potential impact of their newest addition as they continue navigating the final stretch of the regular season. Atlanta will host Washington again Thursday night at State Farm Arena.