Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga has been fined $35,000 by the NBA following his ejection during Tuesday night’s pre-season win over the Portland Trail Blazers, Afrosport reports.
The incident occurred late in the second quarter when Kuminga drove hard to the basket, missed a lay-up, and reacted angrily after not receiving a foul call. He confronted referee Rodney Mott, clapping in his face, which led to an immediate ejection.
The league on Thursday announced the fine for “making inappropriate contact with and continuing to pursue a game official.”
Despite the controversy, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr defended his player, saying he appreciated Kuminga’s passion. Golden State won the game 118-111 at Moda Center in Portland
“He got fouled,” Kerr said. “It was a frustration play. I have no problem with it. He deserved the foul. He was getting fouled quite a bit. It was a physical game.”
He added: “The way he ran on [the ejection] play, the activity he played with, the rebounding. That’s the JK who can really help our team, I loved the way he played. I love the fire, the passion, I don’t mind the ejection at all.”
Kuminga, who recently signed a two-year, $46.8 million contract extension after tense negotiations, had seven points, six rebounds and four assists in 18 minutes before his dismissal.
After the game, the 23-year-old explained that his anger stemmed from his right ankle being clipped on the drive by Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija — an area he injured badly last season.
