The Golden State Warriors lost their third straight game on Wednesday in a 105-101 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, dropping their season record to 12-6. The Warriors played without Stephen Curry and De’Anthony Melton and relied on Jonathan Kuminga in the starting lineup, which gave the young forward a mixed performance.

Kuminga posted 19 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals while shooting 38% from the field and 30% from three-point range. Draymond Green, who finished the night with 10 points, 14 rebounds, six assists, two blocks and one steal, addressed Kuminga’s fit in the lineup and his aggressive moves during the game.

“I’ve never been the guy to not do what the team needs,” Green said when asked about shifting his own role to center to accommodate Kuminga. “I pride myself on being what the team needs me to be and so I don’t necessarily think it was just because he was in the four. I thought it was because of his aggressiveness.”

Draymond Green emphasizes Jonathan Kuminga’s need for consistent aggression

Green pointed out the disparity between Kuminga’s first and second appearances in the game, particularly in terms of his assertiveness.

“He was in his first outing with the foursome; “He wasn’t good because he wasn’t aggressive,” Green said. “He came back into the game in the second quarter and went all out. When you put everything on the line with that level of talent and skill, it usually works in your favor.”

The Warriors veteran emphasized the importance of Kuminga adopting a consistently aggressive mindset, explaining that if he plays to his full potential, the team can adapt to his game.

“I don’t care what position he takes; We need him to be aggressive at all times and we will all adapt to that,” Green added. “We need the pressure he built during that run all night long. Everyone else will find out.”

Green also highlighted the rare opportunity Kuminga has within the Warriors system and urged him to be proud of the trust the organization has placed in him.

“He has so much talent that you better figure out what he’s doing,” Green said. “He should wear that badge with honor because not many people in this league get that opportunity and they made it possible for him to do that.”

The Warriors are dealing with injuries to Stephen Curry and De’Anthony Melton ahead of the crucial road trip

Curry missed the game due to soreness in both knees, an issue that kept him out despite initially being listed as questionable. Melton, meanwhile, is recovering from a season-ending ACL injury he suffered earlier this month, leaving the Warriors’ backcourt thin as they try to get back into the swing of things.

The Warriors now embark on a two-game road trip, starting with the Phoenix Suns (10-8) on Saturday and concluding against the Denver Nuggets (10-7) on Tuesday in their final NBA Cup group stage game.

Golden State has already secured a spot in the knockout quarterfinals, but remains focused on overcoming recent issues with injury management and lineup adjustments.

With the return timelines of Stephen Curry and De’Anthony Melton uncertain, the Warriors will continue to rely on the development of Jonathan Kuminga and the leadership of Draymond Green as they move forward in a crucial stretch of the season.