Jonathan Kuminga needs to 'be a star' for Hawks to make noise in playoffs

The Dukes & Bell podcast, live from Lady Bird on Atlanta's Beltline, kicks off with a lively discussion about the Hawks' recent 112-102 victory over the Celtics without Jayson Tatum. Host Dukes expresses cautious optimism about the team's playoff prospects, emphasizing that while the win was significant, Jonathan Kuminga must 'be a star' to help the Hawks make noise in the postseason. Despite Kuminga's 10 points in 23 minutes and defensive effort, Dukes remains critical of his lack of offensive impact, poor shooting efficiency, and overreliance on three-point attempts. He stresses the need for Kuminga to evolve beyond role player status, especially in high-pressure playoff scenarios. The hosts also praise the team's cohesion, citing Dyson Daniels and Onyeka Okongwu for embracing their roles and contributing to a strong home record. They discuss upcoming matchups, including the Knicks and Cavs, and highlight Jalen Johnson’s emergence as a key player. The episode also touches on Braves' recent wins, Bryce Elder’s development, and Ronald Acuña Jr.’s resurgence, with a preview of an upcoming interview with Tony Gwynn Jr. The segment concludes with a sponsor shoutout for Michelob Ultra’s World Cup ticket giveaway and a celebration of the Beltline’s vibrant community vibe.