Steve Kerr makes his feelings clear on Jonathan Kuminga's recent development

The Golden State Warriors started the season with a bang, but they haven't been able to keep that same momentum going. Steph Curry has struggled with his shot, and he's dealing with a nagging knee injury that has limited his explosiveness and forced him to miss several games.

That's why they've needed Jonathan Kuminga to step up in a big way. He's done so recently, logging two consecutive 34-point games before an 18-point performance vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Speaking about his form, coach Steve Kerr praised Kuminga for being more efficient and playing a better brand of basketball:

"This is the JK we want," Kerr told reporters after the Pacers game. "Spent a lot of time in the paint, took care of the ball. Had a couple really nice passes. Found Buddy [Hield] for 3 on a beautiful play and really attacked. So this is a great example of how JK needs to play. I'm really proud of him for coming out, playing that way. ... He's getting better, and it's fun to watch his development."

Kerr has often been critical of Kuminga, but that's because he expects a lot of him. He wants him to take better shots:

"We're working with our guys, we're working with JK. I think he's got so much potential and he's shown a lot since he's been here. He has gotten a lot better, but I got to keep coaching him. The last two games, his field goal attempts, his decision-making has been poor, and that needs to improve," he added.

Jonathan Kuminga doesn't worry about starting

Jonathan Kuminga has alternated starts with performances off the bench. As hard as that might be for some players, he's rather used to it:

"Sometimes I start, sometimes I don't start," Kuminga said. "Don't really affect me. [At] this point in my career, I can't put my head down and not go out there and play hard or try to be effective. I just go out there and do my job because I can't even worry about things like that. The more you worry about things like that, the more you fail."

The Warriors need someone to step up and help Curry during this tough stretch, and Jonathan Kuminga seems to be the likeliest candidate. If he keeps picking his spots and making the most of his athleticism, he might finally have the breakout season the team has been waiting for years now.