SAN FRANCISCO -- Earlier this season, when the Warriors visited Brooklyn, rookie Jonathan Kuminga called Kyrie Irving one of his “biggest mentors.” The two couldn't play in November due to Irving's vaccination status but got the chance to duel on Saturday at Chase Center. Following Golden State’s 110-106 win over the Brooklyn Nets, Irving took off his jersey and gave it to Kuminga as they shared a postgame handshake.
The 19-year-old Kuminga has a relationship with Irving that dates back to his high school days, as the two played at the same powerhouse program in a Manhattan suburb.
Irving has been a fervent supporter and donor for his alma mater the Patrick School in Hillside, New Jersey, where he played from 2008-10 before attending Duke for one season. After immigrating from his native Congo in 2016, Kuminga played at the Patrick School in 2020 before forgoing his senior season to play with the G League Ignite.
The Warriors selected Kuminga with the No. 7 overall pick and he has shown great promise as a threat at the rim, versatile defender and he's also developing as a 3-point shooter. In Tuesday night's win over the Dallas Mavericks, Kuminga exploded for 22 points off the bench to key the victory. Earlier in the season, Warriors coach Steve Kerr even made a lofty Kawhi Leonard comparison for Kuminga.
Irving dropped a game-high 32 points but the Nets fell short after the Warriors’ defense clamped up and Klay Thompson iced the game with a late 3-pointer. Kuminga played 10 minutes off the bench but was a relative non-factor with two points and four rebounds. At various points throughout the game, Kuminga matched up on his mentor.
