How Kerr wants Kuminga to play more for the Warriors

Jonathan Kuminga, 21, provided a critical spark off the bench in Golden State's 110-106 win against the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night at Chase Center. Warriors coach Steve Kerr addressed the elephant in the room, explaining how he can be used more.

“I mean, he's a young guy, so young players are normally up and down; we're looking for consistency," Kerr told reporters following Wednesday's win against Portland. "Decisions matter. It's knowing when to shoot and move.

With his switching and rim-goal, some games will suit him more, especially tonight. His performance has suffered in games with varied matchups. Ups and downs are common for young players. As a team, we must choose what we need to win each night."

Before checking in, Kuminga described his thinking after not playing in Wednesday's first half and his desire to be the greatest teammate

I relaxed on the bench. I was motivating my teammates and boosting their enthusiasm. Kuminga said he didn't realize he wasn't going in. "But I didn't really know anything, so I wasn't really surprised."

The Warriors' rookie wing evaluated his season and pledged to be the greatest teammate regardless of minutes

"I feel good playing," Kuminga stated. "A deep team, as said... Being delighted for the excellent players is all that matters. I was out there doing that, thrilled with how everyone was playing. Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, and the others."

Kuminga's game-high plus-13 in 17 minutes against Portland jolted a lethargic Warriors squad, including a highlight reel slam dunk on Draymond Green's alley-oop.

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