Stephen Curry scored 37 points against the 76ers, but his biggest play might have been saving Jonathan Kuminga from an ejection.
With 6:44 to go in the Warriors' 119-107 win over the 76ers, Kuminga was whistled for a technical foul for waving off the referee.
Jonathan Kuminga was given a technical after waving off the ref pic.twitter.com/tsY9C9jJM5
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) January 31, 2024
It was a fairly soft call, but that doesn't change that the 21-year-old forward was one more tech away from disqualification. A fact Philadelphia's Patrick Beverley was likely aware of when he fouled Kuminga on a fast break a minute later.
Kuminga didn't like the foul and started to get in Beverley's face. Before it could turn into a confrontation, Curry jogged in to separate them and did a ridiculous hop. It's not clear what he said, but seconds later, Kuminga and Beverley were hugging and slapping five.
Kuminga went on to score seven more points in the game, delivering a steal and an assist to Curry on a play that effectively ended the game - and possibly injured Joel Embiid.
Joel Embiid is headed to the locker room after Jonathan Kuminga fell on him
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 31, 2024
Hope he's ok pic.twitter.com/iZysg8pULR
Curry showed what true leadership is: Acting like a clown to keep your young teammate in the game.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!