Jimmy Butler shares tips with Jonathan Cummings

SAN FRANCISCO – Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga has a strong start to the season after a summer of difficult contract negotiations. But he’s had a tough run of games lately. The 23-year-old forward struggled in a 114-83 win over the Indiana Pacers. Kuminga shot 1-of-9 from the field, collecting just five points as his offense looked far more rocky than it usually has this season.

His revamped 3-point jumper wasn’t falling and he couldn’t bulldoze his way to the rim with his elite athleticism. And whenever Kuminga isn’t playing well, the atmosphere around her always seems like the sky is falling, especially when it comes to the passionate Dubs fans.

That’s why it’s a great thing that Kuminga and the Warriors have Mr. Steady himself, Jimmy Butlerin his corner to guide rising talent. In his postgame press conference, a reporter asked Butler about Cummings’ rough night and if he talks to him after such tough games.

“He’s actually going to come over to my place for dinner right now,” Butler said. “But what I tell you and I tell him — you’re not going to play great every night. You’re not going to play bad every night. But you never get too high when you get 79 points, and you never get too low when you get two (points). You stay in the middle and keep working. Keep doing what you do every day, and even the days should be.”

Jimmy Butler on Jonathan Cumminga’s rough night shooting:

“I tell him — You’re not going to play great every night. You’re not going to play bad every night … stay in the middle and keep working.”

Butler is coming to Kuminga’s place for dinner tonight. pic.tvitter.com/kpKLCjAjUa

— Kenzo Fukuda (@kenzofuku) November 10, 2025

Butler’s close relationship with Cummings is well documented. The veteran star made it a point to work with Cummings after practices last season and during training camp this season. Kuminga himself stated that Butler’s leadership played a big role in his development this season.

Jimmy Butler knows that Jonathan Cumminga is capable of greatness

In the same press conference, Butler emphasized that he wants Cummings to continue to attack on offense because he knows he is capable.

“I want him to continue to be aggressive,” Butler told reporters. “Shoot the ball when you’re open. Attack, get to the free throw line, all that good stuff. I’d say he played poorly. Stats say he had 5 points tonight. Uh-doo, who cares? Because there’s going to be a night when he has 45 points and it’s like, ‘Oh, look at this!’ But he plays well enough. The defensive end rebounds the basketball. It’s more than goals, that’s what I’m trying to tell him.”

On that front, Kuminga was solid. He collected 8 rebounds, averaging 7.2 this season, which is much better than his 3.4 average last season. While his 1-of-9 shooting record wasn’t pretty, it also didn’t seem to be his night, Butler says.

“I like all the threes he takes. And if he makes those threes, you’d say he’s aggressive, right? It’s a hit-or-miss league. If he makes them, we’re not having this conversation. If he drives and misses, you’re still going to say something. No you all but like people miss shots,” Butler said with a smile.

He gestured to the collective “you” as in harsh criticism of Kuminga.

“I just want him to keep that confidence high, knowing that he belongs in this league, knowing that he’s a starter on this team. And it’s going to turn around for you. Don’t read anything that any of you write! Don’t read anything that they say on social media because it doesn’t matter. They’re not going to make you play better out there, so go compete. in this locker room and the organization has got your back.”

It was a tough night for Cummings, but it was just one game in a long 82-game season. Young players’ confidence sometimes waxes and wanes, especially in situations where they seem to be under the microscope. But that’s why players like Butler are so important, aside from things on the field. Kuminga will try to bounce back against the Oklahoma City Thunder in what will be a good test for him and the Warriors.