How Pat Spencer and Gui Santos Became Key Sparks in a Gritty Warriors Season
No, this isn’t the Warriors season anyone had penciled in back in October. The early stumbles, the injuries, the inconsistency-it’s all been part of the ride.
But here we are in mid-February, and Golden State is still in the thick of the playoff hunt. And a big reason why?
Two names you probably didn’t expect to hear much from this season: Pat Spencer and Gui Santos.
These two have been grinding together since their days with the Santa Cruz Warriors in the G League, and that shared journey has built a bond that’s now paying dividends at the NBA level. They’ve gone from overlooked to invaluable, and their connection is more than just a feel-good story-it’s been a real factor in keeping the Warriors afloat.
From Santa Cruz to the Spotlight
Spencer and Santos have been part of the Warriors organization since 2022, but let’s be honest: neither came in with much fanfare. Spencer, a former lacrosse standout, didn’t exactly have the typical NBA pedigree.
Santos, a second-round pick from Brazil, was viewed as a developmental project. But what they’ve done this season has flipped the script.
Spencer has been the more eye-catching of the two, and not just because of his highlight plays. He’s brought energy, swagger, and a little bit of edge to a team that’s needed it.
Remember that moment in Philly when he drilled a three, pounded his chest, and let everyone know exactly how he felt about it? That wasn’t just a celebration-it was a statement.
This guy belongs.
And he’s backed it up. Spencer has stepped in at point guard when Stephen Curry’s been sidelined and held his own.
He’s run the offense with confidence, made plays in crunch time, and earned himself a standard NBA contract after starting the year on a two-way deal. That’s not just a nice story-that’s production.
Santos Doing the Dirty Work
While Spencer brings the flash, Santos brings the grit. He’s not the loudest guy on the floor, but he’s one of the most dependable.
Defense, hustle, smart decisions-he checks those boxes every night. And he’s had his moments, too.
Just look at his recent game against the Grizzlies, where he dropped 16 points and made the heads-up play that led to the game-winner. That’s the kind of impact that doesn’t always show up in highlight reels but matters when the game’s on the line.
Santos isn’t afraid to throw his body around for a loose ball or step in to take a charge. He’s the kind of player coaches love because he doesn’t need plays called for him-he just finds ways to contribute.
Earning Kerr’s Trust
One of the clearest signs of their impact? Steve Kerr’s rotation choices.
He’s shown real trust in both players, even using Spencer over rookie Brandin Podziemski at times-a move that raised some eyebrows given Podziemski’s upside. And before Jonathan Kuminga was traded last week, Kerr often leaned on Santos in key moments instead.
That’s not by accident. That’s earned trust.
Kerr has been vocal about what both players bring to the table. They play hard, they play smart, and they play for the team. In a season where nothing has come easy, that kind of presence has been essential.
Staying Ready, Staying Hungry
Neither Spencer nor Santos is under any illusion about their place in the NBA hierarchy. They know nothing is guaranteed, and that’s part of what makes them so effective.
They play like every minute matters-because it does. And that mentality has helped stabilize a Warriors team that’s been searching for consistency all season.
As the roster hopefully gets healthier after the All-Star break, it’s possible both players see fewer minutes. But make no mistake: the Warriors wouldn’t be where they are without them.
Spencer and Santos have been more than just stopgaps-they’ve been tone-setters. They’ve brought toughness, resilience, and a little bit of Santa Cruz soul to the big stage.
In a season full of twists, these two have been a steadying force. And if Golden State does make a run, don’t forget the role they played in keeping that door open.