The Summer League Warriors dropped to a record of 1-3 with a loss to the Thunder on Thursday night.
James Wiseman and Jonathan Kuminga led the team in scoring, combining for 30 of the team’s 82 points.
Photograph: NBA.comKuminga’s Ups and Downs
Jonathan Kuminga had another rollercoaster of a game (what’s new). The sophomore forward shot a pedestrian 5-15 from the field but was able to find other ways to impact the game, including hauling in four rebounds and dishing out five assists. Kuminga has been able to lean on his athleticism to generate quality shots throughout Summer League, but those looks did not turn up with the same frequency against a stout Thunder defense. Nevertheless, it usually takes more than one man to deter Jonathan Kuminga on his way to the basket and J.K. did an excellent job of applying constant pressure on the rim, collapsing the defense, and opening things up for shooters on the perimeter. Kuminga also added to his youthful highlight reel in the third quarter with a nasty spin move into a mean jam over a Thunder defender… sheesh.
Wiseman Impresses
James Wiseman was able to muster another productive outing, notching fourteen points (4-6 FG, 1-1 3Pt) to go along with seven rebounds, and two assists in only twenty minutes. Wiseman showcased his ability to score in a variety of ways once again, displaying his touch in the midrange and stepping behind the arc to knock down another triple (He’s 2-2 on threes in Summer League). His interior presence was not as prominent, however, and his few post-up attempts ended in futility. Wiseman tried to establish his positioning on the low block a few times but was easily bumped off his spot and forced to give the ball up. It’s clear that Wiseman is still adapting to the NBA’s physicality level and that will surely be a point of emphasis for both he and the Warrior coaching staff as they prepare for the 2022-23 campaign. The 7-footer was much more active on the boards tonight as well. He will often be the biggest guy on the floor for the Dubs, so watching him dominate the glass against a smaller Thunder squad is an encouraging sign.
