On Tuesday, the Golden State Warriors snapped a two-game slide with a much-needed 118-107 victory over the Phoenix Suns. Yet, the Warriors didn’t have much time to celebrate with the second leg of a back-to-back on the schedule against the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday. Things didn’t get any easier for the Warriors when multiple stars were ruled out for Wednesday’s game in Sacramento.

After Steph Curry (illness) was sidelined, Jimmy Butler (back soreness) and Draymond Green (rib) joined the All-Star point guard on the injury report for Wednesday’s game. With Golden State’s trio of veteran stars out of the lineup, Steve Kerr relied on a young group, led by Brandin Podziemski, Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody. Along with Golden State’s young trio, rookie Will Richard got his first career start.

Despite their short-handed group, the Warriors didn’t show any signs of waving the white flag against the Kings. Led by Kuminga and Richard, the Warriors jumped out to a seven point lead in the first quarter. The Warriors stretched their lead out to 13 points in the first half.

However, in the third quarter, Golden State’s inexpirence began to show. In the third quarter, the Kings outscored the Warriors 35-23 to steal a seven point lead going into the fourth quarter. In the third quarter alone, the Kings made 18 trips to the free throw line. The Warriors also committed seven turnovers in the third quarter.

Despite the Kings taking control, the Warriors still had a late run in them. With just under six minutes remaining in the game, the Warriors tied the game on a Moody free throw attempt. However, after tying the game, the Warriors went cold over the next three minutes. While the Warriors struggled, the Kings stretched their lead back to double-figures.

Each time the Warriors attempted to go on a run down the final stretch of the game, the Kings had an answer. Former Warrior Dennis Schroder tallied 13 points in the final frame to put Golden State away, 121-118.

Turnovers were a problem for the Warriors on Wednesday, allowing 30 points off 19 turnovers against the Kings.

In his first career start, Richard led the Warriors with 30 points on 10-of-15 shooting from the field with five made 3-pointers to go along with seven rebounds and three asissts in 35 minutes. Moody added 28 points with six made triples.

Kuminga continued his solid start to the 2025-26 campaign with 24 points on 8-of-19 shooting from the field with nine rebounds and three asissts.

With another back-to-back in the books, the Warriors will get Thursday off before opening NBA Cup play on Friday against the Denver Nuggets.

This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!