With Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green all sidelined on Wednesday night, the Golden State Warriors needed someone to step up against the Sacramento Kings on the second leg of a back-to-back. On Wednesday night in Sacramento, rookie wing Will Richard answered the bell for the Warriors.
The former Florida Gator earned the first start of his young career and took advantage. Richard led the Warriors with a career-best 30 points on 10-of-15 shooting from the field. Richard added seven boards, three assists and a steal in Golden State’s 121-116 loss to the Kings.
Richard started the game strong, sparking an early run from the Warriors with 12 points in the first quarter. Sixteen of Richard’s points came in the first half. Richard finished the game strong, scoring eight points in the fourth quarter with a pair of made 3-pointers.
Richard has played in seven games for the Warriors during his rookie campaign, averaging 9.1 points per game.
Following Richard’s 30-point outburst, Steve Kerr will likely have no choice but to find more playing time for the 22-year-old wing.
This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!