Sports
Warriors' Will Richard Out Indefinitely with Torn Thumb Ligament
Golden State Warriors guard Will Richard has a torn ligament in his left thumb and will miss an undetermined stretch, the team announced Sunday. The injury comes as the Warriors ride a seven-game win streak.
Golden State Warriors guard Will Richard has a torn ligament in his left thumb and will be sidelined for an undetermined period, the team announced Sunday. The second-year player was listed on the injury report with a torn ulnar collateral ligament and missed Monday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Chase Center, the final contest of a six-game homestand.
The Warriors did not hold practice or media availability on Sunday, so there is no immediate timetable for Richard's recovery or a known treatment plan. The 23-year-old has been a key contributor off the bench and as a spot starter during Golden State's seven-game winning streak that followed an 0-3 start. He made two starts last week, against the Phoenix Suns and Miami Heat.
âEverybody having an impact, throw Will Richard in there, too, he's had three straight games really where he's turned up the energy defensively for us,â Warriors star Stephen Curry said after a 116-113 win over the Suns on Monday. âDefensively he's just been a pest out there.â
Richard, a second-round draft pick last year out of Florida, led the Gators to a national championship. This season he is averaging 5.1 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.0 assists while shooting 47.5% from the floor and 42.9% from 3-point range.
The injury is similar to one suffered by Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray early last season. Murray underwent surgery and missed the first 15 games.
Richard's absence leaves the Warriors with one fewer perimeter defender as they try to sustain momentum. The team has not indicated whether surgery will be required.