Steph-less Warriors Run Out of Steam in Loss to Sacramento Kings
The Warriors led for nearly the entire first half despite missing Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler. On Wednesday night at the Golden 1 Center, Curry participated in the pregame huddle via FaceTime, Green assumed the role of assistant coach while dressed in a navy blue sweatsuit, and Butler was absent altogether.
Playing without their three biggest stars—two of whom did not make the short trip up I-80—the Warriors eventually faded against a Sacramento Kings team also missing key players. Golden State built a double-digit lead before halftime but saw it slip away in a 121-116 defeat.
“It was an amazing effort by our guys, and it should be a learning experience for our group,” said coach Steve Kerr after his B-squad fell to a Sacramento team without Domantas Sabonis or Zach LaVine.
Standout Performances Despite the Loss
- Rookie Will Richard scored a game-high 30 points in his first career start.
- Moses Moody delivered a career-best 28 points.
- Jonathan Kuminga contributed 24 points along with a team-leading nine rebounds.
Despite these efforts, they couldn’t keep up with Russell Westbrook’s triple-double of 23 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 assists, supported by five other Sacramento players scoring in double figures.
Richard, a second-round draft pick, combined with Kuminga to score all but two of Golden State’s first 23 points, helping the team lead 32-25 at the end of the first quarter.
Author’s Summary
The Warriors showed resilience without their stars but ultimately were outmatched by a deep Kings squad, highlighting valuable lessons for the young roster.