Former Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga wasted little time announcing a new chapter — and one former teammate may have captured it best with a single word.
Gary Payton II’s Reaction Says It All About Kuminga’s Fresh Start
After Kuminga’s explosive first two games with the Atlanta Hawks, his former Warriors teammate Gary Payton II reacted on Instagram with a GIF from Braveheart emblazoned with one word: “FREEDOM.”
HeavyGolden State Warriors reserve guard Gary Payton II commented “Freedom” on his former teammate Jonathan Kuminga’s Instagram post.
The moment quickly resonated across social media, serving as a pointed — if subtle — commentary on Kuminga’s long-simmering frustrations in Golden State and the expanded role he is now enjoying in Atlanta.
Kuminga Makes History in Hawks Debut
Kuminga’s Hawks debut on Tuesday against the Washington Wizards was nothing short of spectacular. Coming off the bench, the former lottery pick erupted for 27 points in just 24 minutes, leading all scorers in a 119–98 rout.
In the process, Kuminga made franchise history, becoming the first player in Hawks franchise history to score at least 25 points in fewer than 30 minutes in his team debut.
He shot 9-of-12 from the field, drilled 3-of-4 from three-point range, and went 6-of-7 at the free-throw line, while also adding seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals in a complete two-way performance.
Hawks head coach Quin Snyder praised Kuminga’s poise while cautioning against overreaction.
“I thought he was really focused, and I know he’s been hungry to play,” Snyder said. “I think he’s excited to contribute to this team.”
Strong Follow-Up Performance Reinforces Trend
Kuminga backed up his debut two nights later with another efficient outing, starting in a 126–96 win over Washington with All-Star forward Jalen Johnson sidelined by a left hip flexor injury.
He finished with 17 points on 5-of-9 shooting, nine rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block, posting a +23 plus-minus as Atlanta cruised to its second straight win.
“He’s really focused on moving the ball and being unselfish,” said Snyder after the game.
Through his first two games with the Hawks, Kuminga is averaging 22.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.5 steals in 27.0 minutes per game, while shooting 67% from the field, 57% from three and 80% from the free-throw line, with a +39 overall plus-minus.
Warriors Roots, Lingering Frustrations
GettyGary Payton II and Jonathan Kuminga sit in the front row of the stands before a Golden State Warriors game against the LA Clippers.
Payton’s reaction resonated because it echoed what had become an open secret in Golden State. Kuminga’s breakout follows years of frustration with the Golden State Warriors, where he believed his development was constrained under head coach Steve Kerr.
The Warriors ultimately traded Kuminga — along with Buddy Hield — in a deal centered around Kristaps Porziņģis, signaling a definitive end to his tenure in the Bay Area.
Kerr later acknowledged the inherent conflict between player development and championship urgency.
“I think it was a tough situation for everybody,” Kerr told ESPN. “He needed the runway to make more mistakes… For him, it was very tough not being allowed to make those mistakes. For us as a staff, it was tricky trying to develop him while we were trying to win.”
A Different Fit in Atlanta
In Atlanta, Kuminga has immediately found a faster pace and greater offensive freedom — a stylistic fit that accentuates his downhill athleticism, transition scoring and defensive versatility.
Asked after his debut whether his performance was a message to the Warriors, Kuminga brushed off the idea.
“Everybody has an opinion,” Kuminga said. “I really don’t pay attention to what anyone else is saying. We’re trying to win as many games as we can here.”
What Comes Next
The Hawks are 2–0 with Kuminga in the rotation, though both wins came against a rebuilding Wizards team. Even so, the early returns have been impossible to ignore.
And for those who watched Kuminga’s uneven development in Golden State, Payton’s single-word reaction captured the moment succinctly.
For Kuminga, the numbers tell one story. For his former teammate, the feeling behind them needed only one word.
Warriors Guard Sums Up Jonathan Kuminga’s Hawks Breakout in One Word