May 12, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley (10) dribbles the ball next to Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski (2) and forward Draymond Green (23) in the first quarter during game four of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Steve Kerr Defends Warriors Starter After Playoff Struggles

Originally posted on Golden State Warriors on SI
By Will Despart | Last updated May 17, 2025 6:22 PM ET

When Steph Curry went down with a hamstring strain during Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves, it was clear that multiple players on the team were going to need to step up in his absence. Outside of veterans like Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green, the team was also going to look toward Brandin Podziemski to take that jump.

However, he wasn't able to do just that, as Podziemski received plenty of criticism from fans for his lackluster play during the team's failed playoff run. Regardless, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr gave Podziemski a much-needed vote of confidence during his end-of-season availability, defending his decision to stick by the young guard.

"There were times in this series where [Podz] was hesitant to shoot... I thought he could have gotten 10 or 11 threes off tonight, and we needed those. I told him that after the game I said 'when we get back here next year, you are not gonna turn down a single shot.'"

Steve Kerr… pic.twitter.com/5GYSZJu6D2
— KNBR (@KNBR) May 15, 2025

"I got asked several times during the series why I was staying with Brandin," Kerr said. "Passing, playmaking, running through the catch, creating a rotation, and moving the ball. That's the game. Otherwise, you end up with five guys all standing around just staring at each other. Even if all five guys can shoot, if they can't pass, it doesn't matter. You're not breaking the defense down."

Podziemski did score 28 points in the Warriors' season-ending loss to the Timberwolves in Game 5, just one point shy of his career high. Still, his struggles throughout the series proved to be a detriment. He shot a combined 4-of-24 from the field in Games 2 and 3 and was held to five points or less twice during the five-game series.

Brandin Podziemski playoff threes:

6 — Game 4
4 — Game 1, 2 and 3 combined pic.twitter.com/VyRV6J7Rob
— StatMuse (@statmuse) April 29, 2025

Podziemski averaged 11.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in 64 regular-season appearances, making 33 starts. The Warriors went 21-12 when Podziemski started during the season, but that record dipped sharply as they went just 5-6 when he started during the playoffs. Even though he took strides during the second half of the season, there's room to grow going into next year.

This article first appeared on Golden State Warriors on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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