The Golden State Warriors picked up another preseason win this week, taking down the Portland Trail Blazers on the road.

With the regular season less than a week away, key names like Stephen Curry were in action, getting tuned up for what’s expected to be a competitive year.

But the biggest headline from the game had less to do with points and more to do with frustration. Jonathan Kuminga was ejected just before halftime after a heated exchange with an official. It didn’t stop there on Thursday, as the league handed him a $35,000 fine for making contact with the ref and continuing to argue after being tossed. Not exactly the type of preseason buzz the Warriors were hoping for.

Kuminga’s outburst came after what he clearly thought was a blown call, and his reaction followed him straight into the locker room. This moment adds another layer to what’s already been a complicated year for him. All summer, questions swirled about his future with the team. He’s had an up-and-down relationship with his role, especially in a system that’s always going to orbit Curry.

But for now, he’s still wearing a Warriors jersey and looking to build off the flashes he showed in last season’s short playoff run. With Curry sidelined early in the series against the Timberwolves, Kuminga was forced to step up.

He carried a good chunk of the scoring load but couldn’t get Golden State over the hump, as the team was swept out without their leader on the floor. Heading into this new season, the pressure is on. Kuminga has the tools, athleticism, strength, and flashes of scoring ability to be a difference-maker. But he’ll have to balance that fire with better control and an understanding of his place alongside one of the game’s greatest point guards.

The Warriors open the regular season against the Lakers on October 21.