The Warriors’ 138-87 rout of the Pelicans came with one unwelcome twist Monday night at Chase Center: Brandon Williams exited with a left hamstring injury and did not return.
Golden State was already rolling when the setback hit. NBA insider Brett Siegel reported on X, formerly Twitter, that “The Warriors, who lead the Pelicans by 30 points, say Brandon Williams has a left hamstring injury and will not return.”
Williams had only been on the floor for two minutes off the bench, but he made the most of that brief stint before leaving. He finished with four points on 2-for-3 shooting and was a plus-4.
The team later said Williams will undergo an MRI, with an update to follow once that exam is complete.
This is Williams’ first season with the Warriors after signing a one-year, $2.63 million deal over the summer. He had been seeing regular run for Golden State, entering Monday at 11.1 points, 2.6 assists and 1. steals per game in 17.7 minutes, while shooting 40.3 percent from the field and 30.4 percent from three.
Williams, 26, spent the previous three seasons with the Dallas Mavericks. His NBA path began with the Portland Trail Blazers, who signed him to a 10-day contract after he went undrafted in 2012.
Golden State improved to 8-3 with the win and now heads to Houston for Wednesday’s matchup with the Rockets, where the Warriors will try to push their winning streak to nine games.
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For a team already carrying Malevy Leons and LJ Cryer on two-way deals without much meaningful NBA run so far this season, Tooheys quick response adds a new layer to the roster conversation. The Warriors do not have to rush anything, but performances like this can change the calculus fast, and Tooheys showing puts him back in position to push for another shot at a two-way contract in the near future. [Read more 🡒]
Andrew Wiggins Is Raising A Familiar Concern For Warriors Fans
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Wiggins still logged nearly 32 minutes in the win over the Sacramento Kings, but the production was thin, with six points, three rebounds and one assist. If the early-season struggles continue, Miami could start looking at trade possibilities before the mid-season deadline, which is the sort of uncertainty that tends to follow Wiggins when his game slips out of rhythm. [Read more 🡒]
Warriors Were Right To Get Cautious On Myles Turner
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At the same time, the broader center market may be shifting in a way that makes patience look even smarter. Kristaps Porzingis appears to be gaining trade appeal because he is willing to accept a buyout, which could make him a more attractive option for teams seeking a frontcourt upgrade. For Golden State, that kind of development only underscores why it makes sense to stay cautious on Turner and keep the door open for a better opportunity. [Read more 🡒]