Explain: The new way Jonathan Kuminga is defended and 7 ways the Warriors are fighting back

Explain: The new way Jonathan Kuminga is defended and 7 ways the Warriors are fighting back
by @EricApricot
The number one question I get nowadays is, “What is going on with Jonathan Kuminga? Why isn't he as dominant as he was in January?”
The reason is teams are starting to treat him as a number one option, and they have special defenses prepared. Sometimes there's double teams, but the main scheme is to put a goaltender behind the initial defender and to also put a defender be a wall to stop Kuminga from driving into the middle of the paint.
The Warriors are trying different concepts to try to punish this goalie-wall defense, and we look at 7 ideas to counter the new defense. And I think some of these ideas are going to work, but it just takes time for the team to get organized around it and confident around it.
Co-starring Steph Curry, Draymond Green, Moses Moody, Lester Quinones, Andrew Wiggins, Klay Thompson. With Anthony Davis, Jordan Poole, D’Angelo Russell, Nikola Jokic, Aaron Gordon and Jamal Murray.
Includes video analysis of plays from 2024-01-24-ATL, 2024-01-25-SAC, 2024-02-22-LAL, 2024-02-23-CHA, 2024-02-26-DEN, 2024-02-27-WAS, games between the Golden State Warriors and Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Lakers, Charlotte Hornets, Denver Nuggets and Washington Wizards.
Website for videos and articles: DubNationHQ.com
KZbin: / dubnationhq
Twitter: @TheDubNationHQ / thedubnationhq

[@user-ru3rq4jv3f]

Cool video, I noticed JK was getting less points lately and figured out the NBA was paying more attention to him. He's starting to adjust which should open up opportunities for other players making him more of a threat. Love the audits!

[@harrisonwekesa5406]

His assist numbers have gone up. If he works on that middy... he'll be all-star calibre.

[@user-ru3rq4jv3f]

@@harrisonwekesa5406 Exactly, for myself I would really like to see him do both and become a superstar. Right now I have him as an equal to Wiggins, a very good player but not a superstar and I believe he has the capability to do better. Good thing is he's still young.

[@CONCERNEDcitizenforever]

KUMINGA ISTHE MVP OF THE LEAGUE!

[@moneyflow5766]

😂🤡​@@CONCERNEDcitizenforever

[@ronjie]

JK has the potential to become great. Wish he stays injury free, keeps working hard, and receives good coaching and training

[@somone1437]

he is attracting so miuch d that if he manages to smoke these d he will be unstoppable... unless we have a triple team???!!?!?!??!

[@josephbanks888]

It’s all about problems and solutions, moves and counter moves. It takes time but with coaching and training and hard work, he would know exactly what to do in these situations. He just needs to keep training, get better at his dribble, get better at his reads, that pull up mid range shot and he’ll be good for next year. Than later he can work on his 3.

[@user-ru3rq4jv3f]

and I believe he's only 21 or turning 22, he's amazing

[@meirworch2867]

The warriors staff should watch your video

[@nevermind342]

Yup and for the millions they collectively make, it should be automatic and mandatory to review and analyze game films

[@Enygreatdane]

The celebration audit was a nice touch 😂😂

[@Ahilliard44]

they gonna double JK until they realize they will lose the game if the continue to leave shooters open on the perimeter. Honestly i don't mind the JK double as long as JK can make the right read, that's advantagous for the Warriors as a team!

[@jazzcook]

JK is the future star of the Warriors!

[@pabsg]

Draymond being automatic from the top of the 3pt line is pretty funny to me. That backpack shot is now pure cash

[@wxyz8947]

He could read defence and playmaking, I remember in the Hornets game has a possession, early offence with maybe 3 on 5 found that no one was paying attention when he was on the arc and waiting for his teammate, and then he found that he could speed up through the lane and attract the help defence in the paint and past a lob to GP. One game is in Lakers, he is standing on top of the arc, and the traffic jams, he then organizes them and calls a Klay x TJD off-ball screen which leads to a pick and roll. He is growing a playmaking skill set. Anyway, he should be more aggressive and take responsibility as he is the second option on the starters now when Klay is on the bench.

[@Martian128]

Good work, Eric! (we are lucky to have you!)

[@WhatsWongNow]

Super helpful -- as always. Thank you!

[@reezymfk8]

Let's gooooooooo Love the breakdowns and the audits. Lol

[@lucaspiccart3783]

We have SO MANY good looks with the double/triple team on JK, all we need to do is punish them and make them think about doubling

[@johannezekielrondilla93]

I love your breakdowns ❤

[@vic5037]

Awesome break downs of the plays!

[@knife30]

I like how he adds a tiny pause before saying ”someday” when talking about Poole fighting over that screen.

[@saintsmoveforward319]

thank you eric...

[@jojoandroses]

The best! Thank you for your insights and humor!

[@Kevixrm]

I like these videos that analyze with more detail a theme than the game vids! That says I’m sure they are more work :)

[@TactileLand]

Wonderful! Moody should start over Wiggs, he deserves it and so do we :) and then imagine having CP, Klay and Wiggs off the bench :) stellar work as always EA :)

[@DaggerMan11]

imo the only issue with the skip pass against Charlotte was that it wasn't thrown hard enough. He floated it to the corner, so Miller had time to jump the lane. If he throws that with some pace it gets to Klay. JK can make that pass.

[@t-dawg]

Yeah but the position JK put himself in he couldn't quite get that power while maintaining pass accuracy it was a delicate balance, I think attacking baseline and drawing Miller and then hitting corner would've made it an easier pass. But idk we can only speculate we weren't in the heat of the game💀

[@DaggerMan11]

@@t-dawg Yeah I agree attacking baseline would've been a good idea. It's just that I've seen JK make that pass several times from that position, so I know he can do it.

[@sonnybits5810]

Missed your vids, glad to see you back rested and ready, I assume. 🎉

[@edmarsh5708]

Great video as always, J K is a beast!!!

[@serenetonero]

Brilliant analysis, u just got a new sub

[@Aboriginalabg]

Phenomenal breakdown!! I was thinking Kuminga has been too passive this past handful of games but now I understand the X's and O's of what is really happening thanks to this video. Really substantive video!

[@staphaniebakar]

A lot of great games to "Explain" recently. Keep up the good work Mr. Apricot 😊

[@vanquished111]

good stuff. new subscriber here

[@tayonnat]

500th like🔥

[@stacymartin5993]

JK needs to improve on his passing, but his turnout jumper in the paint looks great. He's obviously put a lot of work into that move.

[@jecs321]

I've missed these.

[@darrelstickler]

@dubnationhq Great video. Love the action breakdown. More detail! Interesting posts by JJ Redick and by Hoops Tonight Jason Timpf on bball media audience vs content. You’re a JJ/Jason guy! Anyone can do fluff. Takes knowledge to teach us to be more discerning fans. Go Dubs!

[@ThorGodofThunder420]

I love the lineup at idea 7. Curry Klay JK Moody and TJD. 3 legit 3 point threats and 3 athletic + big dogs.

[@Low_Marine]

Could play BP instead of klay too then we have 4 dogs. OR OR OR (when he returns) Play andrew at the 2.

[@moewarriorsfan]

Great video😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂❤🎉🎉🎉

[@lafayettemitchell9979]

There's a guy named Moody on the team???

[@jevsan9782]

JK with the Wiggins haircut is an all-star

[@davidwheat1346]

Their defensive schemes on JK will backfire. It will turn him into an efficient playmaker and get us open looks.

[@GanjaDaddi_]

If Kerr plays through him the rest of the season we will make a deep playoff run, if not…. Lotto pick

[@popselias]

Fade away fromthe paint is better for depth perception... if not, use the backboard... Johnathan is looking good.... 3, 21 year olds starting for Warriors 11:15

[@cheeese1412]

Dubs getting more offensive options other than "give steph the ball and fuck it" really nice to see

[@jonth3978]

Shamut was clogging up a cutting CP + help w JK in the lane.... I think that play was a viable counter

[@BrockyMusic]

when he gets any type of momentum towards the rim, nobody can stop him rs

[@napiernygma8075]

with cp3 back now, kuminga right now is just unguardable and soon davis will follow

[@bobdrago69657]

Play Moody!!!

[@zay1521]

I think if he adds more handles n a mid range he would do better as a wing or shooting guard versus as age Plays now as a under sized but athletic power forward

[@jamespurcell4642]

So you will ignore AD 3 second violation in the restricted area?

[@fsesb]

The league has special AD rules. They don't like Eric to talk about them in open court, but believe you me, they have been discussed in closed door meetings. (Being one of the leagues chosen best shot blockers is much easier when time sloooooows down while you are camping under the rim) badket

[@bangwithcamino693]

That skip pass against the Hornets was actually GP2's "fault" he should have screened the big, allowing the pass to get there, like the 100 other times they have done that. The baseline pass to Draymond was bad because Draymond didn't cut hard enough and JK pass him open. Even Dray is a step faster, it is a reverse layup. Those are "bad" plays from JK but it is more so because they aren't all on the same page.

[@wxyz8947]

Not really, it is about playmaking, you could find out more about how CP did it, attracting the help defence, delaying and forcing small regions 2 on 1 or 3 on 2, fake passes to lead the 1 on 2 defence to open shots and those playmaking things. The point guard skills are not only for point guards these days, at least stars have the minimum skills of it, likely 2 or 3 years for a rookie stars to train these things, those are more likely Kuminga's fault, he will be experienced more with CP and the film.

[@bangwithcamino693]

@@wxyz8947 That's not true and most of what you said has nothing to do with what I was talking about. Both of the plays are JK's fault but the point is they could've been avoided if they were all on the same page. It has nothing to do with what CP can do because he is capable of turning the ball over too if they are not on the same page. The JK turnovers are plays the Warriors have made for YEARS. It was just a simple miscommunication. Film will help them, though.

[@mainscript1172]

so many 3second violations they don't call

[@zay1521]

I don’t blame the defense for the drop in point I blame jk conditioning and court awareness..remember thus yr he’s been featured tge most he’s been since being drafted n taken the most shots this early in a season so he can be a bit tired n also his awareness to read the defenses will get better over time I think he’s reached a walk game wise n could use some video work to study his game n how he should react to defenses…

[@ansu423]

IMHO, the key is 0.5 Basketball: JK needs to be decisive, quick in that decisiveness, and thus less deliberate. This means better positioning before the catch and remaining a triple threat until a decision has been made, then quickly making that decision- shoot, attack, or pass (re-post is an option too). This is a skill and not easy to do, requiring teammates to be on the same page, so the whole team will need to adjust: it may take a whole season to get right, but once it does.... Well, one thing is for sure: against Championship teams (e.g., Denver), deliberate, basketball and slowly, repeatedly dribbling the ball in isolation just ain't going to work- something Dub Fans should know.

[@armandolara8210]

Another factor: Jonathan Kuminga is playing with his arm tied behind his back. Bigger defenders can beat him to his spots when they know he has to check off passing first and that he’s not allowed to take pull ups. At some point he’s going to get a green light for second level shots and his impact will go up a level. Right now he’s highly constricted on what he’s allowed to do. Easy to see..

[@jojetparedes4024]

sympathetic air dunking...another new term from Eric's vocabulary...

[@konga1653]

You forgot to say, “No one ever got fired for staying with Steph.” 😂 U funny!

[@zay1521]

MOre handles n a mid range jump shot will only open up jk game even more n mayb some floaters it would save his body from the pounding n potential injuries he faces every time, he bullies him self to the rim

[@hungryalien]

its about the hair cut. 😆

[@floo4235]

8:56 you mean goalkeeper, not goaltender haha

[@MrMagnaniman]

I'm pretty sure that the patent on raising the roof expired before TJD was born.

[@konga1653]

Can we get some REALISTIC STATS! Plus/minus is almost worthless. Jordan Poole could ruin your plus/minus (one poor defender). To site a player's points per game is almost worthless!!!! Of course it depends on HOW MANY MINUTES THAT PLAYER HAD! For example, look at the offense of TJD PER MINUTE!! A good offensive number is a player that scores half as many points as mins. In other words, a player scoring 15 points in 30 mins is producing well. TDJ often does better than that!!! Forget =/-!! How about taking the number of points, plus rebounds, plus assists, plus blocks, MINUS fouls, minus turnovers, minus half of missed shots (rounded down) -- divided by minutes??? THAT'S A NUMBER! Anything at 50% or better is excellent. The numbers for the for Warriors vs. Wizards were higher than normal. Moody 63% JK 103% Dray 50% Podz 46% Curry 68% Klay 92% GP2 105% Looney 1% CP3 90% TJD 87% and Saric 7%

[@opieg7333]

Why the heck would a video detailing on floor actions waste time citing all of basketball reference when there is basketball reference to get all those realistic stats? And nope TDJ is not better than that. He has a ways to go and he knows t. Just listen to him in his own words and he has said as much on multiple occasions. You can skip your stat proposal and just go straight to the situational stat breakdowns to learn a lot more about how a player fits with various groupings and how a player performs in various situations. And stats miss various aspects critical to winning and never represent correct fit for 5 players on the floor together because there are roles.

[@konga1653]

True about this video. I was speaking more generally of all commentators who quote the +/- and those that mention players average points per game. At least they could state points per mins. But you’re right about the in depth stat breakdowns - I think you know more about all this than I do. I’m kinda new. And one more thing I think you’re saying that’s right about my idea - it certainly wouldn’t tell the whole story. (I’m thinking of Moody’s and GP2’s defense! Wow!)

[@user-fp3de1ez8m]

Win is meaningless... Nuggets OWN the Warriors Warriors are too smalll No third star let alone a second star to help Curry Got Cp3 over a big... Seriously? Dario is too physically awkward... Warriors are FINISHED!!!

[@wxyz8947]

Actually, it is about aggressiveness, Warriors can't stop Joker, but can giving more past traps and disturbance with the wings. However, I think that night the offence side is more of a big problem. The first-half Nuggets are confident with their close-out and don't respect nonaggressive spot-up shooters i.e AW and BP and ignore those who have no spot-up shooting skill sets such as JK and DG, except Curry is awarded a KCP, KCP is guarding too well even Joker could always in a drop position which is good to protect the paint that is the summary of this game, KCP is too good on defending curry that night. So when Klay is up his facing a defence is like AW which gives him too much space. In the second-half they changed strategy, using top lock to guard SC and KT which is giving them less chance to get on the 3pt line but gives them more chances and more spaces to attack the rim. They don't realise that Joker is not a good but average rim protector, so it should be the wings showtime, which JK did in the late minutes but it is too late, I think they will find a way to fight back if they could meet in the playoff. People keep saying playing bigs is not always true, at least you have some high-spec bigs like the wolves, or remember that their defence is protecting Jokic and we must at least make them some trouble, just like Curry did it before, but that night should be the wings.

[@jarvismak]

Love it! Thanks for putting together this analysis @ericapricot @dubnationhq!