Sports · Basketball · 4 hrs ago
Warriors Start 7-3 as Defense Improves and Richard Awaits Thumb Decision
The Golden State Warriors are 7-3 early in the 2026/27 NBA season and were fifth in the Western Conference heading into Monday’s games.
Their defense has improved over the past five games, ranking sixth in the league over that span, with Draymond Green playing a key role.
But the team still gives up many points after turnovers, an issue tied to its goal of reducing mistakes.
Rookie forward Yaxel Lendeborg has made a strong start, and a team observer gave him an A grade toward the goal of making the All-Rookie first team.
Guard Will Richard is meeting doctors to decide whether he can play with a splint for a torn thumb ligament or needs surgery; coach Steve Kerr hopes he can return soon.
The Warriors are also looking for a trade partner for Kristaps Porzingis, who could be open to a buyout if traded.
The team is withholding Porzingis’s pay, and his remaining earnings could depend on whether Golden State reaches the playoffs and whether he is considered to have withheld services for 30 days.
The Warriors entered Monday’s games fifth in the Western Conference with a 7-3 record and a seven-game winning streak.
Their defense has improved, ranking sixth in the league in defensive rating over the past five games.
Transition defense remains a weakness, with the team allowing the fourth-most points off turnovers.
Guard Will Richard is consulting doctors about a thumb ligament tear to determine whether he can play with a splint or needs surgery.
Coach Steve Kerr said the team hopes Richard can play once the swelling goes down.
- Who
- The Golden State Warriors and guard Will Richard.
- What
- The Warriors are 7-3 as their defense improves; Richard is awaiting a decision on how to treat a thumb ligament tear.
- When
- Coming into Monday’s games; Richard’s injury was announced on Sunday.
- Where
- Golden State. The sources do not state where Richard will meet with doctors.
- Why
- The Warriors are pursuing their preseason goals, including a top-10 defensive rating. Doctors will help determine whether Richard can play with a splint or needs surgery.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Warriors began the season and built a seven-game winning streak.
The Warriors ranked sixth in the league in defensive rating.
The Warriors announced that Will Richard had a UCL tear in his thumb.
Golden State was fifth in the West with a 7-3 record.
Richard was set to meet with doctors to discuss playing with a splint or having surgery.
- Record
- 7-3
- Western Conference standing
- Fifth
- Winning streak
- Seven games
- Recent defensive rating
- Sixth in the league over the last five games
- Points off turnovers allowed
- Fourth-most in the league
What people are saying
We’re hopeful he’s able to play through it, and we’ll know more after a few days when the swelling goes down,
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Decision on Will Richard will be made in the next week, per the Warriors @NBCSWarriors He could play with a splint or opt for surgery Steve Kerr: “We’re hopeful he’s able to play through it, and we’ll know more after a few days when the swelling goes down.”
Warriors say that Will Richard will take a few days and meet with doctors to decide whether or not he can play through a ligament tear in his thumb or he will have to get surgery. He injured the thumb in the Magic game. Kerr said he needs a few days for the swelling to go down.