Jonathan Kuminga’s initial performance in Atlanta appears positive.
The forward, previously dissatisfied with the Golden State Warriors, commenced his tenure with the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday evening after being transferred in a trade deadline transaction from Golden State. His inaugural appearance in Atlanta largely met the Hawks’ expectations.
Kuminga entered the game as a reserve player. However, he emerged as the primary offensive choice for the Hawks during a match where All-Star Jalen Johnson exited early in the first quarter due to a hip ailment.
Kuminga concluded the contest with the highest scoring total, netting 27 points, guiding the Hawks to a decisive 119-98 victory against the Washington Wizards. His stat line also included 7 boards, 4 assists, and 2 steals. He demonstrated versatility in scoring, operating both in the paint and from distance, as well as in fast breaks, achieving an impressive 9-for-12 field goal percentage and converting 3 of 4 three-point attempts. This impressive performance was delivered in just 24 minutes of play.
Kuminga’s Atlanta Unveiling
Kuminga’s first game appearance occurred with 6 minutes and 22 seconds left in the initial quarter, joining Zaccharie Risacher and Gabe Vincent as one of the initial three reserve players for the Hawks.
He swiftly displayed the athletic prowess that had made him such an intriguing prospect with Golden State, though it had not consistently translated into impactful on-court production there. His inaugural score for the Hawks was a driving layup through defenders during a fast break.
Shortly thereafter, he received an outlet pass from Risacher and executed an unhindered dunk.
He concluded his first-quarter offensive output with a shot from beyond the arc, accumulating seven points in that period. The Hawks’ lead expanded from a 12-9 advantage to a 35-20 score by the close of the first quarter, following the introduction of their substitutes.
Johnson’s Setback Paves Way for Kuminga’s Dominance
Johnson suffered his injury during the initial quarter and did not re-enter the game. He observed from the bench in his warm-up attire after the Hawks ultimately declared him out due to a left hip flexor strain. The precise extent of the injury remained uncertain at first.
However, Johnson’s unavailability created an expanded role for Kuminga, who persisted in attacking from various positions as the Hawks built a significant lead against a struggling Wizards squad missing several key athletes.
Kuminga rejoined the contest in the middle of the third quarter, having seven points to his name, and initiated his second-half scoring with an additional three-pointer.
Following that, he assumed the primary leadership position for the Hawks in an inaugural performance that is undoubtedly poised to delight fans in Atlanta. He departed the game with 6 minutes and 16 seconds left on the clock, with the Hawks commanding a 111-80 advantage.
Trae Young’s Homecoming
As Kuminga was making his first impression on Hawks supporters, Trae Young visited Atlanta for the first time as an an opposing team member. He appeared in casual attire, being among several injured Wizards athletes.
The Hawks moved Young to the Wizards prior to the trade deadline, a transaction that marked the conclusion of a significant period. Young had spent his complete NBA career, spanning over seven seasons, with the Hawks, earning four All-Star selections as the central figure of the organization.
However, with Johnson’s ascent to team leadership, the Hawks concluded their association with Young, bringing to an end a period that saw three playoff berths, though none after 2023.
The Hawks honored Young with a commemorative video presentation during the second quarter. Spectators reacted with an enthusiastic standing ovation.
Young has not yet made his inaugural appearance for the Wizards. He continues to be unavailable due to an MCL sprain and a quad contusion, injuries that have kept him off the court since late December.
The Wizards are additionally anticipating the first game of Anthony Davis, acquired from the Dallas Mavericks before the trade deadline. He has been out of action due to a notable finger sprain. Promising sophomore forward Alex Sarr was absent for his fifth consecutive game due to a strained hamstring.
The defeat on Tuesday resulted in the Wizards’ record falling to 16 wins and 41 losses, placing them with the third-poorest standing in the Eastern Conference.
