Dub Hub: Steve Kerr proud of Jonathan Kuminga’s performance coming off the bench

Rounding up all Warriors and NBA related news for Monday, November 4th.

In today’s Dub Hub:

• Steve Kerr say’s he ‘couldn’t be more proud’ of Jonathan Kuminga’s performance off the bench.
• ESPN’s Kendra Andrews details why Andrew Wiggins is primed for another All-Star season.
• 76ers’ Paul George expected to make his regular season debut on Monday against the Suns.

It was a tale of two halves during the Golden State Warriors 127-121 overtime win vs. the Houston Rockets. Golden State came out firing, seizing a 71-43 lead at halftime behind stifling defense and an impressive 11-of-16 shooting from beyond the arc. However, the Rockets countered in the second half, shifting to a smaller lineup which sparked a spirited comeback to send the game to overtime.

With the Warriors in desperate need of scoring, they turned to Jonathan Kuminga who showcased his elite athleticism by relentlessly attacking the rim. Kuminga scored six points in the overtime period, finishing as the team’s second-highest scorer with 23 points on the night.

After the game, head coach Steve Kerr praised Kuminga, stating he “couldn’t be more proud” of his recent performances off the bench.

In an interview with 95.7 The Game, Warriors assistant coach Ron Adams joined Kerr in offering high praise to their fourth-year star, calling Saturday’s game against Houston Kuminga’s “best game ever as a Warrior.”

For more on this and other news around the NBA, here is our latest news round-up for Monday, November 4th:

Warriors News:

Kuminga’s growth mindset on display in Warriors’ recent wins | NBC Sports Bay Area

“Ain’t nobody going to stop me where I want to go,” Kuminga said. “It’s not going to happen every time, but the mindset of getting anybody to do what I want them to do. I’m more comfortable getting to the rim than doing different things.

“Why settle when I can get to the rim? That’s the mentality.”

Growth mindset. It’s what Kerr and all the Warriors want out of Kuminga. He didn’t play the final eight seconds of regulation when the Warriors could have used someone to put their head down and get to the basket for two points, or a

chance of making at least one free throw. Kerr, Curry and Green all encouraged Kuminga when he admitted to be down on the bench, letting him know how much he was about to be needed for them to win.

Andrew Wiggins is ready to be an All-Star again | ESPN

Since Wiggins’ father’s death, Kerr believes there’s a sense of peace for Wiggins as he enters the new season.

“I think he’s in a place where he knows the last couple years have been tough for a lot of reasons,” Kerr said, “and I think he’s primed to get back to where he was a couple years ago.

“He’s at the age where he’s right in his physical prime, and we’ve seen him do it. He helped us win a championship. I’m expecting a big year from Wiggs.”

Adam Silver consulting Steph Curry on possible All-Star Game changes | NBA

Silver said with the game being in San Francisco, he’s enlisted Golden State star Stephen Curry to help figure out a way to make the All-Star Game more competitive this season. Any changes would almost certainly have to involve the leadership of the National Basketball Players Association as well.

“It’s a home game for him,” Silver said, adding that he’s had “direct conversations” with Curry on the topic. “I know he’s very prideful and wants to make sure the players put their best foot forward.”

Curry said last year that players had talked “a little bit” about making the All-Star Game more competitive in some ways. The league has wanted that for some time, hoping a better All-Star contest leads to better television ratings for the game and more outside interest.

Brandin Podziemski, Jonathan Kuminga help Warriors survive overtime scare in Houston | The Athletic

“It wasn’t Fred (VanVleet) on him,” Draymond Green said. “He took Amen to the post a couple times. He’s getting in there on bigger guys and making shots. As much as I want to applaud his skill, that’s heart. That’s ‘I want the ball in that moment and I’ll do whatever I can to score this basketball.’ Obviously, his footwork is great. But that’s sheer will and determination. That’s why he leads the league in plus/minus.”

Steph Curry listed as questionable for Monday’s game vs. Wizards

NBA News:

Sources: Gregg Popovich out indefinitely as Spurs turn to Mitch Johnson | ESPN

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich suffered a health issue before Saturday’s game, and assistant Mitch Johnson is expected to be the interim head coach for an indefinite period of time, including Monday vs. the Clippers and Wednesday in Houston, sources told ESPN.

Popovich, 75, experienced a health situation before the Spurs’ win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night. The team said Popovich had an undisclosed illness.

NBA Rewind: The Joel Embiid controversy, Drake vs. DeMar DeRozan and beefy weekend | The Athletic

This is what we know, thanks to some reporting from various outlets:

Embiid confronted Hayes once he was aware he was in the locker room following the game, via Kyle Neubeck.

There was a lot of profanity being thrown around, and Embiid said, “The next time you bring up my dead brother and my son again, you are going to see what I’m going to do to you, and I’m going to have to … live with the consequences.”

Hayes offered an apology, and Embiid refused it.

Embiid said he doesn’t care what the media says about him, to which Hayes replied, “But you do,” per the Associated Press.

Embiid then pushed Hayes’ shoulder, and Sixers team PR staff stepped between them.

A team security person asked media in the locker room not to report on what happened. Embiid said he didn’t care if they did.

The NBA has launched an investigation. Philadelphia president of basketball ops Daryl Morey said the team has spoken to the NBA.

76ers’ Paul George expected to make his season debut vs. the Suns

In case you missed it at Golden State of Mind:

Warriors bank on stingy defense and just enough offense to repel a furious Rockets rally

As such, having Şengün set the screens — especially whenever they’re set near the side — is an automatic trigger for the Warriors to send two to the ball, shore up behind the double, and let others not named Şengün or Green do the scoring or decision making. The Rockets’ lack of trusted decision making and screeners who can double as floor stretchers allows plenty of leeway for the Warriors to employ such aggressive coverages and is what helped them build a 71-43 halftime lead over the Rockets.

Follow @unstoppablebaby on Twitter for all the latest news on the Golden State Warriors.