Jonathan Kuminga

The NBA’s schedule makers knew that they could count on combustibles of some sort, as they rekindled the flame of this generation’s most storied head-to-head rivalry. From there, the question became: on the nationally-televised stage, who among their supporting casts would deliver the next biggest message? Bearing shoulder shivers, lightning-quick speed on his drive, and a spirit unbefitting of Christmas Day, Jonathan Kuminga presented himself, catching LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers somewhat unprepared during a pick-and-roll switch. Unstoppable in his gather after pinballing through Max Christie’s slightly-undersized frame, Kuminga puts coal in L.A.’s stocking, powering in a grown man-like throwdown over two defenders, bringing Chase Center to its feet thereafter. The game-clinching layup on the Lakers’ side would eventually give them the last laugh, but the Golden State Warriors encouraged a hotly-contested back-and-forth finish beforehand. Making strong use of his 27-minute cameo, Kuminga contributed 14 points, six rebounds, and a steal.