Will Richard Scores 30 Points in His First NBA Start
Will Richard, a rookie guard for the Golden State Warriors and former Florida Gators star, made his first NBA start on Wednesday, scoring a career-high 30 points in a 121-116 loss to the Sacramento Kings.
“Will was amazing,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “This guy, from the beginning of camp, has shown he’s an NBA player. The experience, the poise, he doesn’t turn it over, he makes the right play. He can handle the ball under pressure, he makes the right pass. This guy’s a hell of a player.”
Player Background and Draft Details
Standing 6-foot-3, Richard was a key part of Florida’s 2025 national championship team. Drafted 56th in the 2025 NBA draft by Memphis, he was subsequently traded to Golden State.
Performance Leading Up to the Debut
- Strong preseason play
- In October, averaged 5.7 points per game
- Had been a healthy scratch in two earlier games due to coaching decisions
First Start Highlights
Due to injuries of three Warriors players, Richard was inserted into the starting lineup and delivered an impressive performance:
- Made 10 of 15 shots
- Hit 5 of 8 from three-point range
- Grabbed 7 rebounds
- Distributed 3 assists
Author's Summary
Will Richard's standout debut as a first-time NBA starter demonstrates his potential to impact games with his scoring, poise, and versatility, marking a promising start for his professional career.