The Golden State Warriors secured a nail-biting 109-106 preseason victory over the Sacramento Kings on Friday, thanks to standout performances from their young wings. The win keeps the Warriors’ preseason record perfect at 3-0. With the deadline for rookie extensions looming, Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga delivered impressive outings, making a strong case for their future with the team.
Moody and Kuminga Ignite a Comeback
After a sluggish start, the Warriors found a much-needed spark from Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga. The duo took control of the game, energizing the team with their aggressive offense and ability to get to the free throw line, keeping Golden State competitive when the offense stalled.
Kuminga, in his first game off the bench this preseason, was incredibly efficient. He tallied 19 points and seven rebounds, showing his versatility. Meanwhile, Moody had his best game yet, leading all scorers with 23 points. His confidence in drawing contact was clear, as he went 7-for-8 from the free throw line.
Here is a quick look at their standout performances:
- Moses Moody: 23 points, 7-of-13 shooting, 3 rebounds
- Jonathan Kuminga: 19 points, 3-of-4 from three, 7 rebounds
“It was great to see those guys put it all together,” said head coach Steve Kerr. “We want them to keep that confidence and keep attacking.”
Turnovers Plague Warriors in the First Half
Despite the strong individual efforts, the Warriors struggled with ball control, committing 12 turnovers in the first half alone. This carelessness allowed the Kings to stay in the game and build a lead, even as Golden State started hot from beyond the arc.
The Kings took full advantage of the Warriors’ mistakes, erasing an early deficit to take a 58-55 lead into halftime. Golden State’s shooting cooled off significantly in the second quarter, a direct result of the momentum lost to turnovers. “We were too careless with the ball,” Kerr acknowledged after the game.
| First Half Stats | Warriors | Kings |
|---|---|---|
| Turnovers | 12 | 1 |
| 2nd Quarter 3-Pointers | 1-for-9 | 5-for-9 |
| Free Throw Attempts | 25 | 15 |
Depth and Defense Secure the Win
The Warriors faced a moment of concern when Steph Curry left the game with a jammed finger. However, the injury is considered minor, and he is expected to play in the next game. In his absence, the team’s bench players stepped up to close out the tight contest.
Pat Spencer delivered a clutch layup in the final minute to give the Warriors the lead for good. On the other end, a critical defensive stop by Gui Santos helped seal the victory, as the Kings missed two potential game-winning three-pointers in the final seconds. Lindy Waters III also made an impact, finishing with a team-high +13 rating despite a tough shooting night.
Rookie Extension Deadline Adds to the Drama
The timing of these performances could not be better for Moody and Kuminga, with the October 23 deadline for rookie scale extensions just days away. Both players are making a compelling argument for the Warriors to invest in them long-term.
Moody’s development as a defender and reliable free-throw shooter adds a valuable dimension to the team. Kuminga’s growth as a dynamic scorer and rebounder gives Golden State another powerful weapon to develop alongside its veteran stars. As the Warriors look to build on their preseason success, the continued emergence of their young talent will be crucial.
