Steph-less Warriors Run Out of Steam in Loss to Sacramento Kings
The Golden State Warriors held the lead for much of the first half despite missing Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler. The game, played in Sacramento’s Golden 1 Center, showcased a short-handed Warriors squad battling fiercely against an equally depleted Kings team.
Absent Stars and Leadership Roles
Stephen Curry joined the pregame huddle via FaceTime, while Draymond Green assumed the role of assistant coach in a navy sweatsuit. Jimmy Butler did not appear at the arena, leaving Golden State without its three primary stars for the night.
Game Summary
The Warriors opened the game strongly, building a double-digit lead before halftime. However, their momentum faded as the Kings rallied to secure a 121–116 victory. Both teams were missing key players, with Sacramento also lacking Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine.
“It was an amazing effort by our guys, and it should be a learning experience for our group,” said coach Steve Kerr after the game.
Standout Performances
- Rookie Will Richard led all scorers with 30 points in his first career start.
- Moses Moody recorded a personal-best 28 points.
- Jonathan Kuminga added 24 points and grabbed a team-high nine rebounds.
- For Sacramento, Russell Westbrook tallied a triple-double with 23 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 assists.
- Five other Kings players also scored in double figures.
Rising Talent and Future Promise
Richard and Kuminga combined for 21 of the Warriors’ first 23 points, helping the team close the first quarter with a 32–25 advantage. Despite the loss, the performance highlighted the depth and potential of Golden State’s young core.
Author’s Summary: A depleted Warriors lineup fought valiantly but fell short to the Kings, shining a light on emerging talents like Will Richard and Moses Moody.