Will Richard Makes His Case: Rookie Shines in Warriors’ Win Over Suns
The Golden State Warriors needed a spark, and on Saturday night, they found it in a familiar but recently quiet source: rookie guard Will Richard. In a tightly contested 119-116 win over the Phoenix Suns, it wasn’t just the usual brilliance from Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler that carried Golden State-it was also a timely reminder of what Richard brings to the table when his number is called.
Curry and Butler combined for 53 points, leading the way as the Warriors snapped a three-game skid and stayed within striking distance of the .500 mark. But Richard, who had been out of the rotation for the last three games, stepped back into the spotlight with the kind of performance that makes you wonder how long he’ll be staying out of it going forward.
A Rookie’s Resilience
Richard’s journey this season has been anything but linear. Drafted 56th overall this past summer, he entered a crowded backcourt with no guarantees of playing time.
But from the jump, he made his presence felt. His breakout moment came in early November, when he dropped 30 points in his first career start against the Kings-an eye-opener that hinted at his potential.
Still, the NBA isn’t always a straight path, especially for second-round rookies. Despite logging 19 or more minutes in seven straight games through late November and early December, Richard suddenly found himself on the outside looking in.
Three straight DNPs against the Timberwolves, Trail Blazers, and Suns raised eyebrows. But rather than sulk, Richard stayed ready.
“Steve [Kerr] was very transparent with me, and I appreciate that,” Richard said postgame. “I didn’t take it to heart.
I just knew I needed to be ready when my opportunity came back around. I stayed in the gym, and I knew when my number was called, I was going to go out there and make an impact.”
That’s exactly what he did.
Efficiency Meets Effort
In just over 19 minutes of action, Richard poured in 20 points on a hyper-efficient 6-of-7 shooting, including a perfect 4-for-4 from beyond the arc. But it wasn’t just the scoring that stood out-it was how he scored and how he impacted the game in ways that don’t always show up in a box score.
Offensively, Richard played within himself. He didn’t force shots, didn’t try to do too much, and let the game come to him.
His off-ball movement was crisp and purposeful, fitting seamlessly into the Warriors’ motion-heavy offense. Whether it was slipping into open space for a catch-and-shoot three or making a timely cut to keep the defense honest, Richard looked like a player who understood the system-and his role in it.
“[I wasn’t] overthinking,” he said. “Take the open looks, make the right plays, crashing, stuff like that. Just keeping it simple.”
That simplicity translated into production, and it wasn’t just on the offensive end.
Doing the Dirty Work
Defensively, Richard took on tough assignments, often matched up against high-level scorers like Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks, and Collin Gillespie. He held his own, showing the kind of defensive awareness and physicality that coaches love in young players trying to earn minutes.
He also contributed on the glass, pulling down five rebounds-three on the defensive end and two offensive boards that extended possessions and added value beyond the scoring column.
It’s those little things-fighting through screens, boxing out, staying engaged off the ball-that often determine whether a young player sticks in a veteran-heavy rotation. Richard checked all those boxes on Saturday.
Looking Ahead
Steve Kerr made a calculated adjustment by re-inserting Richard into the lineup, and the rookie responded with a performance that should make it tough to take him off the floor again. With the Warriors still searching for consistency and depth, especially off the bench, Richard’s ability to step in and contribute on both ends could be a difference-maker as the season grinds on.
Golden State’s next test comes Monday against the Orlando Magic. Whether Richard remains in the rotation remains to be seen, but if Saturday night was any indication, he’s more than ready for whatever comes next.
And if he keeps playing like this, the Warriors might have found more than just a stopgap-they might have found a keeper.