Without hesitating, former Golden State Warrior Jonathan Kuminga turned heads in his first game wearing Hawks colors with an energetic showing that represents a reboot for the forward.
Playing in his first game with the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night, 23-year-old Collins had missed his first six games in this franchise after being out with a left knee bone bruise sustained late in his Golden State Warriors days. Kuminga showed no signs of rust, despite the layoff, coming off the bench to score 27 points on an efficient 9-for-12 shooting during a 119-98 victory against the Washington Wizards.
On Jonathan Kuminga Hawks debut, athleticism and energy showed up right away. He also had seven rebounds, four assists and two steals in just under 25 minutes, giving the Hawks a dose of the two-way fire they imagined when they acquired him at the trade deadline. His stunning third quarter (18 points) helped Atlanta pull ahead comfortably.
The Congolese forward had not played since Jan. 22 because of a bone bruise and was still going through rehabilitation after the trade that brought him — along with Buddy Hield — to Atlanta in return for Kristaps Porziņģis. Early on, the games he missed raised doubts about his immediate impact, but it didn’t take long for them to be calmed by his debut performance.
Jonathan Kuminga Hawks debut performance gives the Hawks hope as they continue their push for playoff positioning. If his first showing is any indication, Atlanta might have stumbled upon a high-upside contributor who can help raise both their pace and defensive intensity in the coming weeks.
Also check: Lakers vs Clippers