Nov 5, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Moses Moody (4) and guard Will Richard (3) celebrate after scoring against the Sacramento Kings during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images

Rookie Will Richard turned in a bit of a historic performance, leading the short-handed Golden State Warriors in a 121-116 loss against the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday.

Richard produced a team-high 30 points, seven rebounds, three assists and one steal at the Golden 1 Center as the Warriors dropped to 5-4 without Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green. He went 10-of-15 from the field, including 5-of-8 from 3-point range, in 34 minutes.

The 56th pick tied Jerry Lucas for the second-most points scored by a player in their first career start with the Warriors. He is now one of two first-year players with at least 30 points in a game this season, joining Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe.

"Will was amazing," Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. "This guy, from the beginning of camp, has shown he is an NBA player (with his) experience, 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 is a hell of a player."

Richard was highly touted out of Florida as a player who can develop into a steady 3-and-D option off the bench. He showcased those traits throughout training camp and the preseason, which helped him earn a place in the rotation to begin the season.

The 22-year-old had his outside shot working throughout the contest on Wednesday, while he was also active on the glass and with his off-ball activity. He came up with several timely shots and looked poised on the court down the stretch.

Richard, signed to a four-year contract, has earned praise for his play, with Kerr even saying that he "looks like he is in his seventh year." He has emerged as a vital rotational player in the early going and is off to a productive start with the team.

"You always got to stay ready," Richard said. "I'm a big believer in controlling what you can control, and whatever role I'm in, I want to do whatever it takes to help the team win. Whether I'm not playing or I'm playing, I just want to see us win."

This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: 'He was amazing': Warriors rookie Will Richard shines during 30-point outing

Reporting by Cody Taylor, Rookie Wire / Rookie Wire

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