Former disgruntled Warriors’ star has thrived in Atlanta since a February trade, and this highlight has drawn comparisons to some of the most explosive dunks of the playoffs.
Jonathan Kuminga delivered one of the most memorable highlights of the 2026 NBA Playoffs last night (April 28). In Game 5 of the Eastern Conference first-round series between the Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks, Kuminga threw down a two-handed alley-oop dunk over two Knicks defenders at Madison Square Garden. The 13-second clip, posted by @TheHoopCentral, has already amassed over 1.3 million views.
Gabe Vincent lobbed the ball high toward the rim. Kuminga cut from the left side of the key, elevated above the basket, caught the ball with both hands, and slammed it through the net with his right hand. Josh Hart and another Knicks defender jumped to contest, but neither could reach Kuminga’s height. The rim flexed on impact, and the crowd reacted with open mouths and raised hands.
Kuminga landed and raised his arm while retreating downcourt.
The Alley-Oop That Silenced Madison Square Garden
The play unfolded in the third quarter with the Knicks leading by a substantial margin. Kuminga ran a baseline cut as Vincent surveyed the defense. Vincent delivered a high-arcing lob from the perimeter, and Kuminga elevated from the restricted area. He caught the ball at its peak and threw down a thunderous dunk through the rim.
Hart and the second defender attempted to block the shot but could not match Kuminga’s vertical leap. Both players landed beneath him as the ball passed through the net. The rim bent noticeably downward from the force of the dunk. Courtside spectators, including actor Timothée Chalamet, stood and reacted immediately.
The Knicks led 83-65 at the time of the dunk. Kuminga finished the game with just 4 points on 4-of-10 shooting, but the highlight overshadowed his overall box score. The dunk was his only made field goal of the night.
Kuminga’s Career Revival Since Trade to Atlanta
The Hawks acquired Kuminga from the Golden State Warriors in February 2026 in exchange for Kristaps Porzingis. In Golden State, Kuminga often played limited minutes under head coach Steve Kerr. Since arriving in Atlanta, he has received expanded playing time and a defined role off the bench under coach Quin Snyder.
In the first round series against the Knicks, Kuminga is averaging 12.4 points per game. He scored 19 points in Game 2 and 21 points in Game 3, both Hawks victories. In wins, he has shot 62 percent from the field. In losses, his production has dropped, including a 4-point outing in Game 5.
Across the five games played so far, Kuminga has recorded a net rating that is the largest on the Hawks roster. Atlanta has outscored opponents by 13 points per 100 possessions when he is on the floor in wins and been outscored by 14 points per 100 possessions in losses.
Fans and Former Warriors Supporters Weigh In on Kuminga’s Viral Moment
The dunk has reignited debate about Jonathan Kuminga’s usage during his time in Golden State. Multiple X users pointed out that he received limited minutes and occasional DNP decisions under Steve Kerr. One reply stated, “Kerr really didn’t give him playing time.” Another wrote, “This is what happens when you let Kuminga play.”
Warriors fans expressed frustration that the team traded away a player with Kuminga’s athleticism for a veteran center. Some noted that his three-point shooting remains inconsistent (4-of-21 from deep in the series), but his finishing ability at the rim has been elite. Kuminga is shooting 75 percent on two-point field goals through five games.
Hawks fans, meanwhile, celebrated the trade as a win for Atlanta. One user posted, “Kuminga in Atlanta looks like a different player.” Others focused on the height of his leap, with one reply writing, “He got springs in his shoes.” Another called it the most explosive dunk of the playoffs so far. Knicks supporters acknowledged the difficulty of the play while pointing out the final score, with one user writing, “Nice dunk. Still lost by 30.”
Knicks Lead Series 3-2 Despite Kuminga’s Highlight
The Knicks won Game 5 by a score of 126-97, taking a 3-2 series lead. Jalen Brunson led New York with 39 points. Karl-Anthony Towns taunted Kuminga earlier in the game after scoring on him, which added context to the alley-oop response. Kuminga had been in foul trouble and struggled to contain Towns defensively.
Game 6 is scheduled for April 30, 2026, in Atlanta. The Hawks must win to force a Game 7. Kuminga’s minutes have fluctuated throughout the series based on matchups and foul trouble. His on-off net rating suggests the Hawks are better when he is on the floor, but they have not been able to sustain that advantage in losses.
The alley-oop dunk will be replayed regardless of the series outcome. It has already been called one of the most explosive dunks of the 2026 playoffs. For Kuminga, it is a signature moment in his first postseason as a featured player.
The Dunk’s Impact on Kuminga’s Postseason Reputation
Jonathan Kuminga entered the playoffs with limited postseason experience. In Golden State, he was a rotational piece who saw inconsistent minutes. In Atlanta, he has been a key bench scorer and athletic spark. The alley-oop dunk is his most visible highlight of the series and has been shared across multiple platforms.
NBA.com logged the dunk as part of their official highlight package. The broadcast cameras captured multiple angles of the catch and finish. Kuminga’s reaction after the play — a raised arm as he backpedaled — was measured, not demonstrative. He did not taunt the defenders or the crowd.
The Hawks acquired Kuminga for his potential, not his polish. He remains an inconsistent shooter from outside, and his foul rate has limited his minutes in some games. But his athleticism has never been in question. The dunk against the Knicks is the kind of play that defines a playoff run, even if the run ends in the first round.
Conclusion
Jonathan Kuminga rose above two Knicks defenders and threw down a dunk that stopped the game for a moment. The Hawks lost by 29 points. Kuminga scored only 4. The dunk will outlast the score.
Warriors fans saw a player they believe was underused. Hawks fans saw a trade paying off. Kuminga saw the rim and took off. The series continues, but the highlight is already locked in.
The playoff arrival of his prime is happening one dunk at a time.
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