Steph-less Warriors Run Out of Steam in Loss to Sacramento Kings
The Warriors held a lead for nearly the entire first half despite missing Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler. Stephen Curry joined the pregame huddle via FaceTime, Draymond Green acted as an assistant coach wearing a navy blue sweatsuit, and Jimmy Butler was absent from the Golden 1 Center on Wednesday night.
Without their three key stars—two of whom did not travel—the Warriors eventually lost steam against a Sacramento Kings team also missing key players. Golden State built a double-digit lead before halftime but ultimately fell 121-116.
“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 lost to a Kings team missing Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine.
Rookie Will Richard scored a team-high 30 points in his first career start, Moses Moody recorded a career-best 28 points, and Jonathan Kuminga added 24 points along with nine rebounds. However, their efforts were overshadowed by Russell Westbrook’s triple-double: 23 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 assists. Five other Kings players also scored in double digits.
Richard and Kuminga combined for all but two of the Warriors’ first 23 points as Golden State surged to a 32-25 lead after the first quarter.
Despite a strong early showing, the depleted Warriors couldn't maintain their advantage against a less-than-full-strength Kings roster.
Author's summary: The Warriors, missing their top stars, showed grit but ultimately couldn't hold off a determined Kings team led by Westbrook’s triple-double.