SAN FRANCISCO ― The Golden State Warriors have taken a blow to the depth in their backcourt early in the 2026-27 season, despite an eight-game winning streak.
Warriors guard Brandon Williams made a brief appearance in the Warriors' dominant 138-87 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday, Nov. 9 at Chase Center.
Williams logged 1 minute, 39 seconds for Golden State and scored four points on 2-of-3 shooting, connecting on back-to-back layups before exiting the game with a hamstring injury.
Williams checked out of the game at the 3:18 mark of the first quarter and did not return. The organization said Williams suffered a left hamstring injury and missed the rest of the game against New Orleans. The Warriors guard is scheduled for an MRI.
"He's
a huge part of our team, and he's given us such a lift, and it's a hamstring," Kerr told reporters after the game. "He is gonna get an MRI, so we'll see how bad it is.”
Warriors backcourt depth keeps dwindling
Golden State suffered a setback losing Williams. The hope is that his injury is not severe, otherwise the Warriors' backcourt depth is diminishing early.
In addition to Williams' early exit, reserve point guard Will Richard didn't play Monday against the Pelicans. Richard has a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his left thumb and is ruled out indefinitely.
Richard told Joseph Dycus of the Mercury News that he suffered the injury on a boxout.
"We're trying to wait till the swelling goes down. I'll do a workout, catching and going full speed, and see if it's comfortable …. I want to play," Richard said.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr was bummed about the news because of how well Richard has been playing, at times even starting.
"It’s a shame. He’s playing at a really high level, a lot of confidence, filling an important role," Kerr told reporters before Monday night's game. "At times starting, at times coming off the bench. But able to really play good minutes for us and brings energy, a lot of defensive intensity, shooting the ball well. So we’re hopeful that he’s able to play through it and we’ll know more after a few days when the swelling goes down."
Golden State was also without Gary Payton II, who was out with an illness and left knee inflammation. The Warriors are still going without the likes of Moses Moody and Jimmy Butler III, who is progressing along.
The Warriors are bruised and battered, but unbeaten in the last eight games.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Warriors backcourt depth takes hit losing Brandon Williams, Will Richard
