Jimmy Butler and Stephen Curry led the way for the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night, notching 31 points and 23 points, respectively, in the franchise’s 119-109 season-opening win vs. the Los Angeles Lakers.

However, Jonathan Kuminga, who was inserted into the Warriors’ starting lineup hours before the franchise’s first regular-season clash, should receive praise for his efficient 17-point outing (he connected on 54.5% of his field goals and 66.6% of his long-range jumpers). 

Will Kuminga shoot above 60% from three for the year? It’s doubtful, but his ability to stretch the floor at an above-average level and make defenders pay for helping off of him too much could help the Dubs reach new heights this season. 

It’s no secret that Golden State’s offense best suits capable three-point shooters who understand the importance of staying as wide as possible in drive-and-kick/transition scenarios. 

Kuminga hasn’t been an awful perimeter shooter thus far, as the former lottery pick possesses a 33.2% career three-point shooting percentage.

That said, due to Kuminga’s inconsistencies from deep and reliance on his downhill driving game, defenders haven’t felt the need to respect his contributions from downtown, causing them to focus all their attention on his daunting off-the-dribble game. 

Morphing into a multi-dimensional offensive threat with a more deadly three-point jumper would unquestionably make the Warriors a challenging squad to contain, not only in the regular season but also in the playoffs. 

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