The Golden State Warriors can’t get enough of Will Richard. They signed the No. 56 overall pick to a fully-guaranteed contract in September. Then, they said they’d give him minutes early in the year. Thus far, he has made them look like absolute geniuses.
Richard made his first NBA start on Wednesday night, and led Golden State with 30 points in the Warriors’ 121-116 loss to the Sacramento Kings. Richard shot 10-of-15 (66.7%) from the field and connected on 5 3-pointers in 34 minutes against the Kings. He added 7 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal.
Golden State was very much a skeleton crew on Wednesday night, as Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green all missed the game. Regardless, Richard got his opportunity and took advantage of it, like he has done all offseason since winning the national championship at Florida.
Richard has not hit fewer than 2 field goals or shot worse than 40% in any game this season. Earlier in the year, Curry applauded him for having no fear and making a critical play in an overtime triumph versus the Denver Nuggets. This showing should only enhance the confidence both Curry and Steve Kerr have in the former Gator moving forward. Golden State’s next game is against the Nuggets on Friday night (10:00 p.m. ET).
