Steve Kerr is under immense pressure as Game 3 against the Minnesota Timberwolves stands hours away. Last time around, he used 14 players in the first half. Without Stephen Curry in the mix, the Warriors have yet to find the ideal combination to counter Anthony Edwards and the Wolves. However, some answers did emerge. But they might just scrutinize Kerr as they did during the Paris Olympics and with Jayson Tatum.

During the international tournament, he decided to use Derrick White and Jrue Holiday over Tatum, thinking they would complement the roster better. Now, after multiple DNPs, Jonathan Kuminga looked to be the Warriors’ most prolific attacking threat against the Timberwolves in Game 2. And the Warriors’ Plus Minus crew is sure that the flourishing forward should be a weapon the Warriors use more often.

“Yeah, you know, look, you look at Kuminga’s best games this season, it’s often when, or at least like highest volume scoring games, it’s often been with Steph out. When you know, oh, you look back out when they beat Houston without Steph, and he had 33. It’s because he is, you know, like obviously envisions himself as a one or two scoring option in a lineup. We’ve seen he’s not necessarily great at the fourth, fifth man,” Anthony Slater noted.

Kuminga had 18 in just 26 minutes against the Timberwolves in Game 2. While it wasn’t enough, it did give Steve Kerr a huge clue. Having his explosiveness against the Timberwolves could be of great use to break down their defensive structure. But not just that. Kuminga himself admitted to confidence being restored after his 8-11 shooting night.

In Tatum’s case, in his limited opportunities in Paris, the Celtics ace went through a shooting slump. Jonathan Kuminga looks to be flying against the Timberwolves. If offered more minutes, maybe he can take some load off Jimmy Butler. The star forward isn’t at full health either, still feeling the effects of his hip injury.

Slater and his group also feel Kerr is “over” Moses Moody and Quentin Post in the series. That opens up at least one rotation spot to slot in Kuminga. And aside from his success, even his teammates believe in his skill set.

Jimmy Buler is counting on Kuminga

In his performance against the Timberwolves, Kuminga had a number of impressive highlights. One in particular, though, was his nasty dunk against Rudy Gobert. It affirmed to the Dub Nation that he could be the slasher who could challenge the four-time DPOY. But not even Kuminga was confident in his own abilities.

He required a little jolt, and Jimmy Butler did so. “This is a very… The dunk on Gobert, I think. I mean, that was, like he said, like, you know, Jimmy told him, go, go, go. You got Gobert on you, you know, 25 feet from the basket, just go. And he still had Gobert on him. So he kind of had to shove him under the basket, then lean back and dunk it on the front side. But he does stuff,” the Warriors Plus Minus crew informed.

When Jimmy Butler landed in the Bay, Jonathan Kuminga was all in. The excitement wasn’t just about adding a star—it was about adding a mentor. Kuminga saw a golden opportunity to soak up wisdom from one of the league’s grittiest competitors.

And Butler? He’s betting big on his young teammate. He sees the upside—and he’s not coddling it. Instead, Butler’s been pushing Kuminga hard, knowing that tough love now could pay off in a big way this series.

It’s not just about what Butler does on the court—his biggest impact might come from unlocking Kuminga’s next gear when it matters most.

With Stephen Curry out, the Warriors need offensive firepower that they can rely on. At this moment, Jimmy Butler isn’t at his best due to the hip injury. Kuminga looked to be one of the few Warriors players who were comfortable against the Timberwolves. He and Trayce Jackson-Davis will likely be Kerr’s choices going forward in this series.

However, one good game doesn’t guarantee consistency. That’s been a challenge for Kuminga through his young career. Right now, the Warriors are after a reliable scoring option. Kerr will hope Kuminga can step up to the plate and deliver. At least until Curry returns, the Warriors need to work in community to cope with his absence.

With that in mind, do you think Jonathan Kuminga is the answer? Let us know your views in the comments below.