Warriors Struggle Without Key Players in Loss to Kings
The Warriors maintained the lead for almost the entire first half despite missing Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler. Curry was present only via FaceTime during the pregame huddle, Green acted as an assistant coach wearing a navy blue sweatsuit, and Butler was absent from the Golden 1 Center on Wednesday night.
Playing without their three stars, two of whom did not travel to Sacramento, the Warriors eventually ran out of energy against a Kings team also missing key players. Golden State built a double-digit lead by halftime but ultimately lost 121-116.
“It was an amazing effort by our guys, and it should be a learning experience for our group,” said coach Steve Kerr, reflecting on the team's shortcomings against a Sacramento squad missing Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine.
Rookie Performances Highlight Warrior Effort
Rookie Will Richard, starting for the first time, led the Warriors with 30 points. Moses Moody contributed a career-high 28 points, while Jonathan Kuminga added 24 points along with nine rebounds, the team’s highest. However, their efforts fell short against Russell Westbrook’s triple-double of 23 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 assists, supported by five other Kings players scoring in double figures.
Fast Start by Warriors
Richard and Kuminga combined to score 21 of the Warriors’ first 23 points, helping Golden State take a 32-25 lead after the first quarter.
Summary
The Warriors’ young players showed promising performances but ultimately lacked the stamina and experience to overcome the Kings in the absence of their key stars.
Author’s summary: Despite strong rookie contributions, the Warriors lacked the depth and experience to sustain their lead and fell short against the Kings without their main stars.