Jimmy Butler on Jonathan Kuminga: “He’s Going to Be Huge for Us Winning Game 4”

Warriors Turn to Rising Star Kuminga as Butler Shoulders Leadership Role in Curry’s Absence

The Golden State Warriors find themselves at a crossroads in their second-round playoff battle with the Minnesota Timberwolves. After falling 102-97 at Chase Center in Game 3, they now trail the series 2-1. But while the result may have gone against them, there were signs of life—flashes of belief—in what is shaping up to be a gritty postseason campaign without their talisman, Stephen Curry.

With the two-time MVP ruled out for at least the next couple of games due to a hamstring injury, the Warriors needed someone to step up. That someone, unsurprisingly, was Jimmy Butler—veteran leadership incarnate and a man never short of confidence or competitive fire. Butler poured in 33 points, carrying much of the offensive load. But he wasn’t alone.

Jonathan Kuminga, the 21-year-old forward with raw athleticism and untapped potential, delivered a statement performance off the bench. Kuminga erupted for 30 points, turning heads and turning the tide of a game that felt dangerously close to slipping away before his explosive presence changed the mood inside Chase Center.

Butler and Kuminga Forming a Dynamic New Duo

Jimmy Butler III Places Confidence in Another Warriors Teammate While Predicting Game 4 Win

Following the game, Butler didn’t mince words when asked about Kuminga’s contribution. “Everything,” he said. “Shooting the ball when he’s open, attacking, getting to the free-throw line. It’s a beautiful sight to see.”

That praise didn’t come lightly. Butler, who has often thrived in playoff environments through grit and efficiency, clearly sees something in Kuminga. More than just raw scoring, he sees a partner—someone he can work with, talk to, and build synergy alongside.

“I tell everybody, me and him can thrive together,” Butler continued. “I know how to space the floor. I can tell him, ‘Hey, when I have the ball, you go here and you do this.’ We talk, we listen to one another, and then he has an incredible game like tonight.”

In Butler’s eyes, Kuminga’s success wasn’t a one-off. It was a step forward, the kind of performance that doesn’t just help win a game, but defines a new direction for the team.

Warriors Seeking Answers in a Curry-less Landscape

Jimmy Butler’s Strong Statement on Jonathan Kuminga After Warriors’ Loss –

For Golden State, life without Stephen Curry is unfamiliar territory—and not a pleasant one. Curry is more than just the team’s heartbeat; he’s their rhythm, their confidence, their structure. Without him, the Warriors need to rewrite their script, and fast.

That’s where Butler’s leadership and Kuminga’s emergence become vital.

“We’re figuring this out,” Butler said postgame. “It’s not ideal to be without Steph, obviously. But we can’t fold. We’ve got talent, we’ve got options, and we’ve got guys like JK who can go out and change a game.”

And Kuminga did just that. He wasn’t just scoring—he was attacking relentlessly, finding seams in Minnesota’s defense, and converting at the rim with authority. He shot with confidence and showed a poise that belied his age. More importantly, he played like he belonged in this moment.

Kuminga’s Coming-of-Age Performance

This was the kind of playoff night that coaches and fans dream about when investing in youth. Kuminga, often viewed as a long-term project, played like a man who wanted to be part of the now.

He brought energy, athleticism, and a fearless edge that Golden State desperately needed. Against a tough Timberwolves defense, he didn’t hesitate. He took what was given to him, and then some. Whether it was attacking downhill, knocking down open looks, or getting to the line, Kuminga played with the urgency of a veteran.

“He did so many good things out there on the floor,” Butler said. “I know that he’s going to be a huge part in us winning on Monday.”

Those aren’t throwaway comments. In the high-stakes world of the NBA playoffs, players earn praise—not receive it. And coming from Butler, who has built his career on effort, toughness, and execution, those words carry weight.

Game 4: All Eyes on Monday

Now the focus shifts to Game 4 on Monday night. The Warriors face a must-win scenario. Falling behind 3-1 in the series would be a steep hill to climb, even if Curry were to return later. Momentum must shift now, and Butler believes that Kuminga is the key to making that happen.

With Curry out, every offensive possession becomes more precious. Every minute matters. Butler and Kuminga will need to shoulder not just scoring responsibilities, but leadership roles—pushing teammates, demanding energy, and setting the tone from the first whistle.

“I know what we’re capable of,” Butler said. “It’s about execution now. We’ve seen what JK can do. We’ve got the fight. Now it’s time to go out and prove it.”

Silver Linings in a Tough Loss

Though the scoreboard didn’t fall their way in Game 3, the Warriors walk away with hope. They’ve found a new weapon in Kuminga, and Butler form looks sharper than ever. With adjustments and belief, they’ll enter Game 4 knowing that this series is far from over.

And if Jonathan Kuminga builds on his breakout performance, it might be just the spark Golden State needs to turn the tide. As Butler put it, “He’s going to be huge for us winning on Monday.”

The stakes are rising, the pressure’s mounting—and in the absence of their biggest star, the Warriors are discovering new ones.