SACRAMENTO – Steve Kerr tried to find a pregame silver lining to Wednesday’s game at Golden 1 Center, noting that the Warriors missing their three best players offered a chance for the coach to get an extended look at different combinations and some of Golden State’s younger players.
Will Richard was exactly what Kerr was hoping to see.
Making his first NBA start, the Warriors rookie put on the type of show that should have fans licking their lips in anticipation of what the future potentially holds for the 22-year-old from Georgia.
There was plenty to like, too.
Richard dropped a season-high 30 points on the Sacramento Kings in the Warriors' 121-116 loss on Thursday at Golden 1 Center with five 3-pointers to move into rarefied air.
He became the first Warriors player drafted in the second round or later to score 20 or more points in his first career start since Eric Paschall in 2019. He also matched the second-most points scored by a Warriors player in his first career start with the Warriors. John Lucas also had 30, while Anthony Morrow has the record with 37 points.
Golden State Warriors
Find the latest Golden State Warriors news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Bay Area and California.
All of those stats are pleasing to the eye, but it was the way Richard played that was most pleasant to watch. He played steady, albeit unspectacular, defense and had one steal – something he has done in each of his first six NBA games.
Richard shot 10 of 15 (5 of 8 on 3-pointers), snatched seven rebounds and had three assists.
This all came after being a healthy scratch due to coach’s decision in each of Golden State’s previous two games.
“Will was amazing,” 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.”
That clearly was evident against the Kings.
After Sacramento pulled within 72-71 midway through the third quarter, Richard made a clutch 3-pointer but missed a shot at the four-point play when he shanked the free throw.
Richard made a pair of deep threes in the fourth quarter, but by then, the Kings had grabbed momentum and the Warriors spent the rest of the evening trying to catch up.
“Just trying to keep it simple but make an impact on the game,” Richard said. “I’m a big believer in controlling what you can control. Whatever role I’m in, I want to do whatever it takes to help the team win. Whether playing or not playing, I just want to see us win.”
While the Warriors failed to get the win, they head back home to the Bay with a much better vision of who Richard can be.
“Will is a great player,” Jonathan Kuminga said. “I’m always trying to talk to Will, especially as a rookie. There’s a lot of expectations, there’s a lot of eyes on you.”