SACRAMENTO, CA — The Golden State Warriors went into Golden 1 Center severely short-handed — no Stephen Curry, no Jimmy Butler III, no Draymond Green — but still pushed the Sacramento Kings to the wire before falling 121–116 in a thriller that came down to the final seconds.
It was a night of grit, guts, and growth, highlighted by a pair of breakout performances from rookie Will Richard and Moses Moody that showed Dub Nation the future is bright — even on a night that ended in defeat.
The Fight Without the Firepower
Golden State entered the game missing five rotation players: Curry (illness), Butler (back), Green (rib), De’Anthony Melton (knee), and Alex Toohey (knee).
But the Warriors didn’t play like a depleted squad.
They led by five at halftime after an inspired first half from their young core, before a rough 35–23 third quarter from Sacramento flipped the script. Still, the Dubs clawed back to tie the game at 104–104 in the fourth.
Then came an 11–0 Kings run that looked like the knockout punch. But the Warriors never quit.
Brandin Podziemski buried a clutch 3-pointer with under a minute left to make it 117–114, giving the Dubs one more chance. But after a defensive stop, Jonathan Kuminga’s game-tying attempt rimmed out, and Dennis Schröder’s free throws iced it for Sacramento.
“We fought. That’s what Warriors basketball is,” said Steve Kerr. “You can live with losses like this when your young guys play this hard.”
Will Richard’s Breakout Game — The Rookie Arrives
Let the record show: Will Richard’s first career start was special.
The rookie came out firing, scoring 12 points in the first quarter alone, including a pair of clean catch-and-shoot threes. He didn’t slow down — finishing with a career-high 30 points on 10-for-15 shooting, including 5-of-8 from deep.
That’s the second-most points ever by a Warriors rookie in their first start (since 1970–71).
Confident, poised, and fearless — Richard looked like he belonged.
“He’s built for this,” Kerr said postgame. “Poise, efficiency, and no fear — that’s what you want from a young player.”
Moody’s Moment — Again
Moses Moody, less than 24 hours removed from a 24-point night, kept his hot streak alive.
He dropped 28 points on 9-for-15 shooting, hitting six threes — tying his career high. Twelve of those came in the fourth quarter, when he single-handedly kept Golden State within striking distance.
The timing couldn’t be better. With Jimmy Butler III out, Moody’s aggression and rhythm have given the Dubs another reliable wing threat.
Kuminga and Podziemski Do It All
With the stars sidelined, Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski shouldered much of the all-around load.
Kuminga was efficient and assertive, scoring 24 points while pulling down nine rebounds and attacking from all three levels.
Podziemski nearly posted a triple-double — 14 points, nine assists, nine rebounds — and finished with a team-best +14 in his minutes. His vision and control once again made him look like a seasoned vet in just his second season.
“BP makes the game easier for everyone,” Moody said. “You always feel like you’re going to get the ball in the right spot.”
The Road Ahead
The Warriors (5–4) remain on the road for a Friday showdown against the Denver Nuggets — their first NBA Cup game of the season — before returning home to Chase Center on Sunday, Nov. 9, to host the Indiana Pacers.
Even short-handed, this Warriors team showed something every fan can get behind: fight, resilience, and a future that’s flashing gold.
