The Golden State Warriors have recently been struggling, but it seems that a savior has arrived. Initially, it was thought that Schroder's arrival might transform the team and become a second scoring option beyond Curry. However, Schroder's arrival has unexpectedly ignited an outburst from another player. Kuminga scored 34 points in each of the last two back-to-back games, totaling 68 points and becoming the team's top offensive player.
What's crucial is that in these two games, Kuminga not only scored high but also played a pivotal role in critical moments. In the previous game against the Clippers, although the Warriors didn't win, Kuminga had an outstanding performance in the final quarter, even leading the team to close the score to within five points at one stage. Kuminga's performance surprised many fans, including today's game where he also stepped up to save the team in the final moments, a role that was previously often played by Curry.
After today's game, Green frankly admitted that they will take Kuminga as the core going forward, and it remains to be seen what kind of performance he will deliver next. This is actually a turning point for the Warriors. Kuminga's consecutive two games with 34 points demonstrate his potential to become a superstar, which may have been lacking due to insufficient shooting opportunities and a lack of tactical status centered around him. If Kuminga can score high in a game and help the team win, then he has the qualifications to become the future leader of the Warriors.
In fact, the Warriors' tactical status has already begun to tilt towards Kuminga this season. Curry is also actively giving up the ball to Kuminga on the court, and even after the game, Curry mentioned that he would let Kuminga play a more significant role and start moving towards a leadership role.
Why has Kuminga's average score remained in the teens after playing in the league for several years? Fundamentally, it's because his tactical status in the Warriors is relatively low. Last season, when Thompson was on the team, Curry and Thompson were the first and second offensive points of the team. When Poole was on the team, Poole was the third offensive point. Kuminga has always played the role of the fourth or fifth offensive point. However, without Poole and Thompson, Kuminga should currently become the second offensive point, and he even has the qualifications to be on par with Curry.
If Kuminga can be cultivated into a qualified leader in future games, maintaining an average score of over 25 points, then even if the Warriors don't achieve great results this season, it will be worthwhile for the management's long-term planning.