Warriors Struggle in Short-Handed Loss to Timberwolves, Podziemski Reflects on Offensive Load
The Golden State Warriors ran into a buzzsaw in Minnesota, and with half their roster sidelined, there wasn’t much left in the tank to stop it. Missing eight players due to injuries-including their core creators-the Warriors were overwhelmed by a Timberwolves team that capitalized on every opportunity, handing Golden State its lowest-scoring game of the season.
Even in the context of a grueling back-to-back, this one stung. The Warriors had shown signs of life before the injury bug hit, building some momentum that now feels like it’s on pause. The 21-6 run by Minnesota to close the second quarter didn’t just swing the game-it slammed the door shut.
Podziemski on the Challenge: “We felt we could win”
Rookie guard Brandin Podziemski, who’s quickly growing into a bigger role, spoke after the game about the team’s mindset heading in, despite the depleted lineup.
“It was just as you said, (we felt) that we could win. We had a good film session this morning,” Podziemski said, echoing head coach Steve Kerr’s belief in the group.
That belief held up early, but things unraveled before halftime. The Warriors turned the ball over during that crucial second-quarter stretch, and the Timberwolves made them pay.
“I think we turned the ball over a little there and gave them some easy ones,” Podziemski explained. “I think it just gave them some rhythm going into the second half.”
Minnesota didn’t let up. The Warriors were held to just 18 points in the second quarter and only 19 in the third-numbers that reflect just how tough it was to generate offense without their usual playmakers.
Podziemski, Spencer Shoulder the Load
With Stephen Curry and other key creators out, the offensive burden shifted heavily onto Podziemski and fellow guard Pat Spencer. It wasn’t just about scoring-it was about initiating everything, every time down the floor.
“It forces me or Pat to try to get the domino to fall each and every time,” Podziemski said. “That’s really the only difference, I think.”
Podziemski finished with 12 points on 4-of-13 shooting, adding 7 rebounds and 4 assists. The stat line reflects the effort, but also the challenge of trying to spark an offense that lacked its usual rhythm and firepower.
Spencer chipped in with 10 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists, while Gui Santos had a bright spot with his first career double-double-11 points and 10 boards. Quinten Post led the team with 13 points, and all five starters reached double figures, though no one broke past 13.
Still, the numbers don’t tell the full story. Turnovers were a problem across the board, and none of the 10 Warriors who saw the floor finished with a plus-minus better than -5. It was one of those games where effort wasn’t the issue-execution was.
Looking Ahead
The Warriors will look to regroup quickly as they wrap up their road trip in Utah on Wednesday night. A win against the Jazz would mark their third straight victory over that team this season-something to build on as they try to weather this injury storm.
For now, the focus remains on development, resilience, and finding ways to compete even when the odds are stacked. And in the middle of it all, young players like Podziemski are getting the reps-and the lessons-that could pay off down the line.