Steve Kerr Gets Honest on the Warriors' Chances at Winning the Championship This Season: Jan 2, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts after making a three-point shot against the Philadelphia 76ers during the third quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images

Brandin Podziemski Provides Big 20 Points Off the Bench as Warriors Sweep Past Jazz

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics
By Christian Alamodin | Last updated Jan 29, 2025 7:04 AM ET

It’s fair for fans to think that the Warriors are out of playoff contention when you look at the quality of their roster. While Brandin Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga are great athletes, they aren’t at the level needed to push Stephen Curry into a fifth championship.

However, it’s also hard to deny that the Dubs need to look to a future without the future Hall of Famer. While Steph is still an amazing player for the Dubs, the roster the front office has assembled for him is clearly not enough to get them into the automatic playoff spots.

Every game from this point in the season is a must-win for Steve Kerr’s men. While the Jazz aren’t the toughest opponents out west, they had to count on Podziemski to carry them to the W.

Brandin Podziemski’s 20 off the bench lift the Warriors past the Jazz

Podziemski just came off an injury when he put up an impressive 20-piece against a Jazz squad that lost their last six games. He rounded out his performance with seven rebounds, six assists, and one steal.

While the 103-114 final score wasn’t particularly close, the 22-year-old was an outstanding performer off the bench to complement Dennis Schroder’s 23 points and Andrew Wiggins’ 19. Kerr needed his performance as Curry was out with a knee injury.

Steve Kerr was happy with how the UC Santa Clara product is performing, based on how he talked about the guard in the post-game presser.

Per NBC Sports Bay Area’s Monte Poole:

“Brandin looks really strong and sharp and determined,” coach Steve Kerr said. “He was fantastic tonight. It’s exciting to see. It’s what he expected from the start this season, and obviously things started slowly for him. But he’s really looking like himself now.”

Podziemski may not be blowing everyone away in his second season with the Warriors, but his consistency is securing his spot in the rotation. The 19th pick of the 2023 Draft is getting 8.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.2 assists this season on 42% shooting and 31% from deep.

Brandin Podziemski Provides Big 20 Points Off the Bench as Warriors Sweep Past Jazz 3 Apr 5, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts with Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski (2) after losing his shoe during the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

The Dubs may be far from any form of contention right now, but every game is helping the Podziemski and the rest of the Dubs’ young core become more used to NBA basketball. Given enough time, they could become the anchors that help Steph win his fifth ring.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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