Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski delivered one of the strongest performances of his third NBA season during Saturday’s 104-96 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. Even though he stayed calm and serious after the game, his impact on the court was undeniable.
With Stephen Curry out due to a left quad injury, Podziemski started at point guard and finished with 15 points, five rebounds and six assists in 33 minutes — without committing a single turnover. His go-ahead three-pointer with under four minutes left energized the Chase Center crowd and started an 11-0 run that sealed the victory.
Steve Kerr Praises Podziemski’s Smart and Aggressive Play
Head coach Steve Kerr called it “one of his best games” this season. Kerr was especially pleased with Podziemski’s shot choices and his confidence from long range.
Letting It Fly From Deep
Kerr noted that Podziemski sometimes hesitates on open shots, but on Saturday he took nine three-pointers — something the coach loved seeing. Podziemski hit three of them and consistently made the right decisions on offense.
Season Numbers Show His Growth
Podziemski is averaging 12.3 points on 43.7% shooting, 38.6% from deep, along with 4.6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1.2 steals. These numbers closely match his previous season, showing steady development. Whether he comes off the bench or starts next to Curry, he continues to be one of Golden State’s most dependable players.
Fixing the Weak Spots
Despite his progress, Podziemski has struggled at times with over-dribbling and indecision. Kerr mentioned that the guard plays best when the ball moves quickly and he keeps the offense flowing. When he tries to do too much, mistakes appear — something the team has been working on with him.
Playing Simple and Smart
On Saturday, Podziemski focused on simple, smart basketball: moving the ball, catching and shooting, and not forcing plays. He made five of his nine attempts from three-point range directly off catch-and-shoot opportunities, where he performs incredibly well at 41.4% this season.
Teammates Notice His Impact
Jimmy Butler, who led the Warriors’ half-court offense with 24 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists, praised Podziemski’s ability to make the right plays at the right times.
“Open, shoot it. If not, pass it. Attack,” Butler said. “Keep the game easy.”
Draymond Green also applauded the young guard’s approach, saying Podziemski played aggressively and created scoring chances for teammates even when he wasn’t scoring himself.
Conclusion
Brandin Podziemski’s breakout performance against the Pelicans shows why the Warriors trust him in key moments. With Curry sidelined, he proved he can lead the offense, stay efficient and make smart decisions. As long as he continues playing confidently and keeps the game simple, he will remain one of the Warriors’ most valuable young players — and a major factor in their success this season.
