SAN FRANCISCO - The Golden State Warriors showcased their depth in a thrilling 128-117 victory over the Denver Nuggets, with young guard Brandin Podziemski stealing the spotlight. As Stephen Curry cheered from the sidelines, Podziemski delivered a performance that had the Chase Center buzzing.
Curry, sidelined with a knee injury, was all smiles as Podziemski made his way to the interview room. The 22-year-old guard had just put up an impressive stat line: 18 points, a career-high 15 rebounds, nine assists, and a steal in 37 minutes. His late-game heroics were the talk of the night.
Starting off cold, Podziemski went 1-for-10 but found his rhythm in the fourth quarter, going a perfect 6-for-6, including two clutch threes. His presence on the court was undeniable, as he played a pivotal role in the Warriors' strong finish.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr praised Podziemski’s performance, highlighting his eight rebounds in the final quarter. “He was phenomenal,” Kerr noted, emphasizing the young guard's ability to make crucial plays when it mattered most.
Podziemski’s late-game surge was a rare feat, marking only the eighth time since 1997-98 that a reserve player recorded such numbers in a quarter. The last Warriors reserve to achieve similar stats was Corey Maggette in 2009.
Reflecting on his performance, Podziemski described entering a “flow state,” where everything seemed to slow down, allowing him to make precise plays. His confidence and ambition to join the ranks of great players have driven him to this level, even as he navigates the ups and downs of his early career.
Coach Kerr acknowledged Podziemski’s season as a rollercoaster, attributing some of the struggles to the team’s overall challenges. Yet, he remains confident in Podziemski’s potential, particularly his rebounding skills, which first caught the Warriors' attention.
Kerr emphasized the importance of Podziemski finding his rhythm and learning to let the game come to him. “He’s a really confident guy,” Kerr said, noting that Podziemski is still learning to balance his playmaking instincts with the flow of the game.
With Curry still out, Podziemski has been on a hot streak, scoring in double figures in five consecutive games. On Sunday, he was part of a collective effort that saw multiple Warriors players step up.
Al Horford contributed 22 points and seven assists, while Moses Moody added 23 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Gui Santos, De’Anthony Melton, Gary Payton II, and Will Richard also made significant contributions.
Despite a stellar performance from Nuggets star Nikola Jokić, who posted 35 points, 20 rebounds, and 12 assists, the Warriors’ team effort prevailed. Podziemski’s assertiveness and late-game poise were key factors in outscoring the Nuggets 33-16 in the fourth quarter, sealing the win.
Podziemski expressed trust in his basketball instincts, emphasizing the importance of playing confidently without second-guessing. His challenge moving forward will be to replicate performances like Sunday’s, finding ways to impact the game without trying to do it all himself.
Kerr highlighted this balance as Podziemski’s next step: “It’s really more about finding that sweet spot,” he said. As Podziemski continues to grow, his unique skill set promises to be a valuable asset for the Warriors.