The Golden State Warriors walked into Memphis with half their roster unavailable — yet walked out with one of their most complete offensive performances of the season. Behind an electric showing from rookie guard Will Richard, who poured in 21 points, Golden State cruised past the Memphis Grizzlies 133–112 on Wednesday night.

It was a game defined not by who played, but by who didn’t.
The Warriors were missing Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Kristaps Porzingis, and long-term casualty Jimmy Butler. Their top scorer from the previous night, De’Anthony Melton, was also unavailable.

Yet Golden State delivered one of its most precise offensive outings of the year.

Will Richard Leads the Charge with 21 Points in Breakout Performance

Rookie guard Will Richard has been steadily building momentum throughout the season, and Wednesday night became his standout moment. Richard scored 21 points on 9-of-15 shooting, including two 3-pointers, and added:

• 5 rebounds

• 6 assists

• 3 steals

His scoring burst came at key moments, including a fourth-quarter basket that capped a 10–1 Warriors run and pushed the lead to 32 points — their largest of the night.

Richard’s performance continued a trend of the rookie stepping up whenever minutes become available due to injuries. And with the Warriors battling absences across the roster, his emergence is becoming more than a pleasant surprise — it’s turning into a necessity.

A Team Effort: Nine Warriors Hit Threes, Eight Score in Double Figures

Golden State didn’t simply survive without their stars — they thrived.

Each of the nine Warriors who saw the floor connected on at least one 3-pointer. As a team, Golden State shot 19-of-46 from deep, spreading the floor and overwhelming the depleted Grizzlies defense.

Alongside Richard’s 21:

• Gary Payton II scored 19 points, continuing to provide veteran punch and defensive intensity

• Brandin Podziemski added another 19 points in one of his most efficient games of the month

• Gui Santos delivered 17 points, energizing extended runs

• Moses Moody added 14 points as part of the balanced scoring attack

Despite missing their four biggest names, Golden State looked confident, connected, and sharp — a sign of a team committed to competing through adversity.

Grizzlies Drop Seventh in Eight Games as Injuries Mount

Memphis continues its downward spiral, losing for the seventh time in eight games. And much like the Warriors, their issues stem from heavy injuries — but with far less depth to compensate.

The Grizzlies were without:

• Ja Morant (elbow) — missed his 15th straight game

• Cedric Coward (knee)

• Santi Aldama (knee)

• Zach Edey (ankle)

For a young team already struggling through a tough season, the absences have been overwhelming.

Still, there were bright spots:

• GG Jackson led Memphis with 24 points and eight rebounds

• Ty Jerome chipped in 22 points and five assists, hitting four threes

• Javon Small added 16 points

• Taylor Hendricks scored 14

But once again, rebounding crushed the Grizzlies’ chances.

Memphis was outrebounded 48–34, bringing their three-game board deficit to a stunning 150–107.

That lack of physical presence has cost them repeatedly — and Golden State exposed it early.

Warriors Take Control with 13–0 Second-Quarter Run

Despite being short-handed, the Warriors seized the game in the second quarter. A 13–0 run pushed the lead to 63–39, and Golden State took a 74–53 advantage into halftime.

Memphis briefly rallied early in the third, cutting the lead to 82–70, but the Warriors answered quickly.

A 12–2 response — anchored by Gui Santos — restored order and reinstated a 22-point cushion late in the quarter.

By the fourth, the game was in full Warriors control.
The lead eventually ballooned to 32 points, punctuated by Richard’s final basket.

Golden State Finds Life in a Season Full of Challenges

This win doesn’t fix the Warriors’ season, nor does it erase the turbulence of injuries, trades, and inconsistencies. But it does remind the league that Golden State’s culture remains strong — even when star power is absent.

• Their ball movement was crisp

• Their effort was energetic

• Their young players stepped into the moment

• Their role players delivered like starters

It was exactly the type of victory a team needs when trying to stay afloat during a trying year.

And for Will Richard, it felt like a turning point — one that signals a larger role ahead as the Warriors continue to search for stability in a chaotic season.