Jonathan Kuminga played a key bench role as the Atlanta Hawks edged the New York Knicks 107–106 in a tight Game 2 at Madison Square Garden on Monday night. The forward scored 19 points and helped stabilize a second-half push that flipped the momentum in the series.
Kuminga emphasized defensive intensity as the starting point for his impact. He said, “I think just setting the tone, mostly on defense. Being physical as much as I can because I feel like our energy was a little bit lower because we weren’t hitting shots that we usually make.”
He added that his approach centered on communication and effort. “So there was something else that needed to be done. And I think it’s just the mindset, coming out there trying to engage all the guys and try to be as physical as I can.”
On the offensive end, Kuminga pointed to aggression as a natural extension of defensive pressure. “I think just toughness. The more aggressive we are on defense, the easier we’re going to be more aggressive on offense.”
He also linked that approach to the team’s adjustment during the comeback. “And I think our defense kind of picked up. And our offense kind of got along well.”
Looking ahead to the next game in Atlanta, Kuminga stressed repetition and discipline. “We just got to do the same thing over and over. As much as we can, play as hard as we can, no matter any circumstance. You got to stay together and lock in because it’s a game and it’s a great team that we’re playing.”
He also reflected on the crowd energy and how it impacted his teammates. “I think mostly CJ got him going. I think he enjoyed that. The crowd sure do that or say that. And I think that really got him going. And I think he got all of us going.”
When asked about physicality and fouls, Kuminga noted the need for control. “He ain’t there. He just got to be smart. Just a lot of fouls being called. We got called so many times, grabbing people and stuff like that. So you got to be smart and just be physical. But we got to be smart with it.”
He also praised teammate effort during key stretches of the game. “Just being able to be. Passion. When we’re in the trenches like Quin said, we got to fight till the end.”
On his role after arriving via trade, Kuminga downplayed hierarchy and focused on winning. “I think it’s always been the same way everywhere I’ve been, just being a winner, trying to be a winner as much as I can. So I don’t think it’s about any key role or anything. It just as long as I go out there and do what I got to do to help us win, that’s all that really matters.”
The Hawks now return home with the series tied, carrying momentum from a comeback built on defensive pressure and bench production.
