Grading Warriors Players After Frustrating 117-123 Loss Against Kings: Blow 18-Point Lead

The Golden State Warriors let an 18-point lead slip away as they fell to the Sacramento Kings 117-123 on Wednesday night. Despite a strong start that saw them shoot an impressive 14 of 26 from 3-point range in the first half, the Warriors were unable to sustain their momentum. Andrew Wiggins led the way with 25 points, while Buddy Hield contributed 17, and Stephen Curry recorded a double-double with 14 points and 12 assists.

However, the absence of key players Draymond Green (left calf strain) and Jonathan Kuminga (right ankle sprain) was evident, as the Warriors struggled defensively and in transition. The Kings outscored Golden State 37-20 in the third quarter to erase the deficit, with DeMar DeRozan pouring in 19 of his 32 points during that stretch. Sacramento’s dominance in fast-break situations, where they outscored the Warriors 28-0, proved to be a decisive factor.

Golden State fought to stay in the game but couldn't respond after Sacramento’s late 8-0 run, capped by De’Aaron Fox's layup with just over a minute remaining. As the Warriors grapple with injuries and inconsistency, the loss highlighted the challenges they face without their defensive anchor and key contributors. Let's grade each Warriors player for his performance on Wednesday night. 

Andrew Wiggins: B+

Stats: 25 PTS, 6 REB (3 OREB, 3 DREB), 3 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 3 TO, 2 PF, 8-20 FG, 5-11 3PT, 4-5 FT, -8, 38 MIN

Wiggins led the Warriors with 25 points, showcasing his offensive aggressiveness while hitting 5 of his 11 attempts from beyond the arc. He also contributed 6 rebounds and 3 assists, though his shooting efficiency (8-for-20 FG) and 3 turnovers highlighted areas for improvement. Despite his efforts, Wiggins' -8 plus/minus underscored the team's struggles in key moments.

Gui Santos: B

Stats: 16 PTS, 5 REB (1 OREB, 4 DREB), 2 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 1 PF, 6-9 FG, 4-5 3PT, 0-0 FT, 0, 23 MIN

Santos provided a spark off the bench, scoring 16 points on an efficient 6-for-9 shooting, including 4-for-5 from deep. His 5 rebounds and 2 assists rounded out a solid performance in 23 minutes, though his impact was neutralized by the team's overall defensive lapses.

Buddy Hield: B-

Stats: 17 PTS, 3 REB (1 OREB, 2 DREB), 1 AST, 3 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 2 PF, 6-12 FG, 5-9 3PT, 0-0 FT, +3, 25 MIN

Hield added 17 points, hitting 5 of his 9 three-point attempts to keep the Warriors' offense flowing. His 3 steals showcased his defensive activity, but limited contributions in other areas and a modest +3 plus/minus reflected his role as primarily a shooter.

Stephen Curry: C+

Stats: 14 PTS, 3 REB (1 OREB, 2 DREB), 12 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 3 TO, 1 PF, 6-11 FG, 1-4 3PT, 1-1 FT, +2, 34 MIN

Curry struggled to find his scoring rhythm, finishing with just 14 points on 6-for-11 shooting, including 1-for-4 from three. However, his playmaking was crucial, as he recorded 12 assists. Despite his efforts, Curry's inability to take over offensively and his 3 turnovers highlighted a subpar performance by his standards.

Trayce Jackson-Davis: C+

Stats: 11 PTS, 8 REB (3 OREB, 5 DREB), 2 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 4 PF, 4-6 FG, 0-0 3PT, 3-6 FT, -2, 24 MIN

Jackson-Davis brought energy in the paint, tallying 11 points and 8 rebounds, including 3 on the offensive glass. He shot efficiently (4-for-6 FG) but struggled at the free-throw line, hitting only 3 of his 6 attempts. His 4 fouls and -2 plus/minus hinted at defensive struggles in 24 minutes.

Moses Moody: C+

Stats: 11 PTS, 2 REB (1 OREB, 1 DREB), 2 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 3 PF, 4-10 FG, 3-7 3PT, 0-0 FT, -4, 26 MIN

Moody added 11 points on 4-for-10 shooting, including 3-for-7 from beyond the arc. While his scoring provided a boost, his limited contributions in other areas (2 rebounds, 2 assists) and -4 plus/minus reflected a mixed performance in 26 minutes.

Gary Payton II: C+

Stats: 8 PTS, 6 REB (1 OREB, 5 DREB), 1 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 4 TO, 3 PF, 3-6 FG, 1-3 3PT, 1-1 FT, -2, 13 MIN

Payton scored 8 points on 3-for-6 shooting and grabbed 6 rebounds in 13 minutes. However, his 4 turnovers and defensive lapses were costly, resulting in a -2 plus/minus despite his solid shooting.

Quinten Post: C

Stats: 5 PTS, 6 REB (1 OREB, 5 DREB), 1 AST, 0 STL, 1 BLK, 1 TO, 5 PF, 2-5 FG, 1-4 3PT, 0-0 FT, -10, 15 MIN

Post showed hustle, grabbing 6 rebounds and scoring 5 points in 15 minutes. His lone block and effort on the glass were commendable, but his shooting (2-for-5 FG, 1-for-4 3PT) and 5 personal fouls limited his effectiveness.

Dennis Schroder: C

Stats: 7 PTS, 3 REB (0 OREB, 3 DREB), 5 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 5 TO, 3 PF, 3-8 FG, 1-3 3PT, 0-0 FT, -5, 21 MIN

Schroder struggled with turnovers, committing 5 in his 21 minutes. He added 7 points and 5 assists but shot just 3-for-8 from the field. His -5 plus/minus reflected the team's struggles during his time on the court.

Lindy Waters III: C

Stats: 3 PTS, 0 REB (0 OREB, 0 DREB), 2 AST, 0 STL, 1 BLK, 1 TO, 1 PF, 1-2 FG, 1-2 3PT, 0-0 FT, -10, 14 MIN

Waters scored 3 points on 1-for-2 shooting, including a made three-pointer. He added 2 assists and a block in 14 minutes, but his lack of impact on the boards or defensively contributed to his -10 plus/minus.

Kevon Looney: N/A

Stats: 0 PTS, 2 REB (0 OREB, 2 DREB), 0 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 2 PF, 0-3 FG, 0-0 3PT, 0-0 FT, +6, 9 MIN

Looney played just 9 minutes, failing to score on 3 shot attempts. He grabbed 2 rebounds and finished with a +6 plus/minus, but his limited time on the court prevented him from making a significant impact.