In the high-octane world of the NBA, where every game is a battle and every possession counts, Golden State Warriors forward Moses Moody has been quietly carving out a name for himself. The 23-year-old wing, now in his fourth year, has become a vital piece of the Warriors’ puzzle as they’ve solidified their status as a legitimate playoff contender in the fiercely competitive Western Conference. This past season, Moody averaged an impressive 9.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game, contributing significantly to Golden State’s run to the Western Conference Semifinals. But what fans didn’t know—until now—was the excruciating sacrifice Moody made to keep his team in the fight.
Drafted by the Warriors in 2021, Moody’s journey began modestly, logging limited minutes during the team’s championship-winning campaign in 2022. However, his role has steadily grown, and with it, his impact on the court. This past season marked a turning point for the young star, as he earned a spot in the starting lineup on February 10. But behind the scenes, Moody was battling a hidden injury that could have derailed his season—and perhaps the Warriors’ title hopes.
According to a recent report from NBC Sports Bay Area, Moody played the final 25 games of the season with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right thumb. The injury, which he sustained in March during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks, turned every catch, every defensive stance, and every hand check into a test of endurance. “I did it in March when we were playing against the Bucks,” Moody revealed in a candid interview. “The last two, three months of the season, it was like I couldn’t palm the ball. Every time I’d catch the ball, it would hurt. Every time. If I would hand check somebody, it would hurt. I couldn’t touch nobody.”
Moses Moody underwent successful surgery yesterday in Los Angeles to repair a torn Ulnar Collateral ligament (UCL) in his right thumb.
He is expected to make a full recovery and be ready for the start of training camp. pic.twitter.com/jnxYlEZAFR
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) May 22, 2025
Despite the constant pain, Moody refused to sit out, choosing instead to grit his teeth and play through the injury. His resilience allowed him to remain a key contributor, but it’s impossible not to wonder how much more he could have offered had he been at full strength. The Warriors, already facing a stacked Western Conference, leaned heavily on their core of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and newcomer Jimmy Butler. Yet, Moody’s compromised performance may have been the silent factor that kept Golden State from reclaiming the NBA crown.
In May, after the season concluded, Moody underwent surgery to repair the torn ligament. Now, as he prepares for a full recovery, the Warriors are poised to welcome back a fully healthy Moody for the 2025-26 season. With the Western Conference growing even more formidable this offseason, Golden State will need every ounce of Moody’s talent and tenacity to compete with the league’s elite.
Moody’s story is one of sacrifice, resilience, and unyielding commitment to his team. As the Warriors gear up for another title chase, fans can only imagine what a pain-free Moses Moody will bring to the court alongside Curry, Butler, and Green. One thing is certain: this young star’s heart and hustle will be key to Golden State’s quest for redemption.