The Golden State Warriors squeaked past the Sacramento Kings for a second time in three nights, clinching a dramatic 109-106 victory on Friday night. With the win, the Warriors extended their flawless preseason record to 3-0, but the scoreline told only part of the story. On a night packed with lineup experiments and standout performances, the spotlight shifted to the team’s young wings, Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga, with just days left to make decisions on their rookie extensions.
Moody and Kuminga Spark Warriors’ Comeback
Moody and Kuminga didn’t just show up — they took over. After an inconsistent start, they energized the Warriors, keeping them in the game with aggressive drives, smooth shooting, and trips to the free throw line.
Kuminga, who came off the bench for the first time this preseason, was particularly efficient. He scored 19 points, hit 3-of-4 from beyond the arc, and pulled down seven rebounds, helping Golden State stay in transition.
Meanwhile, Moody turned in his best performance yet, finishing with a game-high 23 points on 7-of-13 shooting. He added three rebounds and connected on 7-of-8 free throws, a sign that the Warriors’ young talent is becoming more comfortable drawing contact.
- Moody’s Key Stats:
- 23 points
- 2-for-6 from three-point range
- 7-for-8 from the free throw line
- Kuminga’s Contribution:
- 19 points, 3-for-4 from three
- 7 rebounds, 6-for-10 free throws
“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 Threaten to Derail Warriors’ Effort
Despite the heroics from their young stars, turnovers were a persistent problem for the Warriors. They recorded 12 giveaways in the first half alone, a pattern that gave Sacramento plenty of opportunities to build a lead.
The Warriors shot an impressive 8-for-11 from deep in the opening quarter but couldn’t capitalize on the momentum. The Kings punished Golden State’s mistakes, holding them to just one made three-pointer in the second quarter and entering halftime with a 58-55 advantage.
| Key Stat | Warriors | Kings |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Half Turnovers | 12 | 1 |
| 3-Point Shooting (Q2) | 1-for-9 | 5-for-9 |
| Free Throw Attempts | 25 | 15 |
“We were too careless with the ball,” Kerr admitted. “If we want to keep winning, we’ve got to clean that up.”
Injury Scare for Curry, But Bench Delivers Late
There was a brief moment of concern when Steph Curry exited the game with a jammed finger. Fortunately, the injury appears minor, with Curry expected to return for the next game. Without him, the Warriors leaned on their depth to grind out the win.
Gui Santos and Pat Spencer stepped up late, with Spencer’s clutch layup putting the Warriors ahead in the final minute. On the defensive end, a critical stop from Santos helped secure the win, as the Kings failed to convert two final three-point attempts.
Lindy Waters III also made a case for more minutes despite struggling from the field. He shot just 1-for-5 but made all seven of his free throws, finishing with a team-high +13.
The Rookie Extension Deadline Looms Large
With the October 23 deadline for rookie extensions fast approaching, Moody and Kuminga’s performances couldn’t have come at a better time. The Warriors face a tough decision: lock in their talented young wings now or risk uncertainty heading into the season.
Moody’s ability to play tough defense and knock down free throws has been a welcome development. Kuminga’s growth as a scorer and rebounder is equally promising, giving Golden State two solid options to develop behind its veteran core.
“There’s a lot to like about how they’re playing right now,” said Kerr. “We’ll see how it all shakes out, but they’re making the most of their minutes.”
As the Warriors prepare to host the Detroit Pistons on Sunday, Moody, Kuminga, and the rest of the roster will aim to build on this momentum. If their young stars continue to perform, Golden State’s depth could become a major asset this season.
