The Golden State Warriors have strung together two wins without Stephen Curry, but the team’s broader issues persist deep into the 2025–26 season. With criticism mounting, much of it has centered on head coach Steve Kerr, who was recently asked to defend his choice to sit Jonathan Kuminga during the Warriors’ 123–91 victory over the Chicago Bulls.

Golden State Warriors HC Steve Kerr Shares Blunt Response to Benching Jonathan Kuminga

With Brandin Podziemski leading the way with 21 points, the injury-laden Warriors managed to hand the Bulls their seventh straight loss.

However, the team wasn’t without issues, especially as Kerr ended up benching Kuminga for the game. This came after the team’s 99-98 loss against the Philadelphia 76ers.

“Steve Kerr benched both Brandin Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga for the entire 4th quarter in Philadelphia. He then laid out exactly how he wants both to play pregame yesterday in Cleveland. It seems one responded to that and one didn’t,” Marc Grandi wrote on X.

Some fans agreed with Kerr’s decision, adding that having different players take charge would give the team better chances of winning without Curry.

Steve Kerr on Jonathan Kuminga being a DNP:

“It happens to everybody pretty much other than the stars. Guys come in and out of the rotation, depending on who’s available, how the team’s playing” pic.twitter.com/dwzaoyoaRH

— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) December 8, 2025

Kerr, addressing his decision postgame, said: “Just gotta keep going. Just like everybody else who is in this position. It happens to everybody pretty much other than the stars. Guys come in and out of the rotation, depending on who’s available, how the team’s playing.”

Kerr went on to add that his focus was on playing Gui Santos, who came off the bench to score six points, grab seven rebounds, and dish out two assists against the Bulls.

“I think the way Gui has played the last couple of nights…and after what he did down the stretch last year…you see the impact he makes with his energy. And then obviously getting De’Anthony Melton back,” Kerr added.

Though the team converted their game into a win, many remained unhappy with the Kumnga decision. The Warriors-Kuminga drama can be traced back to the team signing Jimmy Butler III, with the former being upset over reduced playing time.

Reports also hinted at tension between Kerr and Kuminga.

Kuminga’s Agent Was Frustrated After Loss Against OKC

And though the team has regrouped for the new season, issues continue to linger. Curry’s injury convinced fans that Kuminga would take charge alongside Butler, establishing some consistency.

The tensions have been at an all-time high, especially with players like Butler openly discussing the team’s struggling defense.

Following the team’s 124-112 loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Kuminga’s agent, Aaron Turner, expressed his feelings on social media.

“What are we doing out here,” Turner wrote on X.

That being said, one has to acknowledge Kuminga’s inconsistent performance, which could certainly lead to a few DNP decisions by Kerr.

A 2021 pick by the Warriors, Kuminga is averaging 12.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, while shooting 43.8% from the field.