Jonathan Kuminga Explodes for 27 Points in Atlanta Hawks Debut — Wizards vs Hawks Recap
Jonathan Kuminga wasted absolutely no time making his presence felt in Atlanta. The 23-year-old forward delivered a statement performance in his Atlanta Hawks debut Tuesday night, leading the team to a dominant 119-98 victory over the Washington Wizards at State Farm Arena.
Jonathan Kuminga Dazzles in Hawks Debut Off the Bench
Kuminga came off the bench and played 24 minutes in his Hawks debut, pouring in a game-high 27 points while shooting 9-of-12 from the field and 3-of-4 from three-point range. He added seven rebounds, four assists and two steals, logging a +16 for the game.
Kuminga checked in off the bench near the midway point of the first quarter and made an immediate impact against the Wizards. He had a big grin after dunking off a fast break, and gave a tantalizing glimpse of his wide-ranging talents with a 3-pointer, four assists, two rebounds and a steal during his first stint on the court.
Wizards vs Hawks: How the Game Unfolded
The Atlanta Hawks were dominant from the opening tip, jumping to a 35-20 lead after the first quarter and never looking back. The Wizards had no answer for Atlanta's pace and depth throughout the contest, falling further behind in a lopsided third quarter.
Kuminga developed into the No. 1 Hawks option in a game in which All-Star Jalen Johnson left the first quarter with a hip injury. Kuminga did it from inside and out and in transition, all in just 24 minutes of action. The Hawks outscored Washington 40-21 in the third quarter to put the game completely out of reach.
The Trade That Brought Kuminga to the Atlanta Hawks
The Golden State Warriors shipped the 23-year-old forward, along with guard Buddy Hield, to the Atlanta Hawks for center Kristaps Porziņģis at the trade deadline. The deal was completed on February 4, but Kuminga's Hawks debut was delayed for weeks.
Kuminga missed his first six games with the Hawks, sandwiched around the All-Star break, while recovering from a left knee bone bruise sustained in his closing weeks with the Warriors. The No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 draft, Kuminga fell out of the playing rotation in Golden State and expressed a desire to be traded when his playing time dwindled.
Hawks GM Explains the Vision for Kuminga
The Atlanta Hawks front office was clear about what Jonathan Kuminga represents for the franchise's rebuilding direction heading into the post-Trae Young era.
Hawks general manager Onsi Saleh told reporters: "I think a 23-year-old with a ton of potential — the things that he helps us with are his rim pressure that he puts on. He's a phenomenal athlete. He's a good rebounder. I think in transition, he could be absolutely phenomenal, and he adds size at the wing position."
Kuminga is making $23.8 million this season, and Atlanta holds a club option for $24.3 million for the 2026–27 campaign — a contract structure that gives the Hawks enormous flexibility with a young, high-upside wing.
Trae Young Returns to Atlanta — From the Bench
Tuesday night carried added emotional weight as former Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young returned to State Farm Arena for the first time as a visiting player. The moment did not go unnoticed by Hawks faithful.
Young made his first trip to Atlanta as a visiting player in street clothes as one of several injured Wizards players. The Hawks greeted Young with a tribute video in the second quarter, and fans responded with a standing ovation. Young had played his entire seven-plus-season NBA career with the Hawks, making four All-Star teams as the face of the franchise. He remains sidelined with an MCL sprain and quad contusion and has yet to make his Wizards debut.
