Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski. Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Warriors' Brandin Podziemski literally rebounding from slump

By Sean Keane | Last updated Feb 25, 2026 10:40 PM ET

Three quarters into Sunday's game against the Denver Nuggets, Brandin Podziemski had only three points on 1-of-10 shooting. He started attacking the boards, and his offense turned around.

Podziemski grabbed eight rebounds and scored 15 points in the final quarter of the Golden State Warriors' 128-117 win, and he hasn't looked back. After a 15-rebound effort Tuesday, Podziemski provided eight more rebounds and 19 much-needed points as the Warriors beat the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday night, 133-112.

Brandin Podziemski's rebounding is more consistent than his scoring

Podziemski is a talented all-around player, but his scoring can often be inconsistent. He shoots 36.7 percent from three-point range, but goes cold for stretches. While he's been driving to the hoop more often, "Podz" often struggles to get past faster defenders.

He also hasn't been rebounding to his usual level this season. That has changed this week, when he became only the fourth Warriors player to put up 15 points and 15 rebounds in consecutive games. The others were future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant, All-Star David Lee and Andris Biedrins.

Brandin Podziemski has recorded 15+ points and 15+ rebounds in back-to-back games.

He joins Kevin Durant, David Lee, and Andris Biedrins as the only Warriors to have such a streak in the last 20 years. pic.twitter.com/jjIMUNAuO7
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) February 25, 2026

It's impressive company for a 6-foot-4 guard to be in. However, it's not just that Podziemski has a nose for the ball. It's that he has confidence in his rebounding that often seems lacking in his shot. When Podziemski is grabbing rebounds, it energizes the rest of his game.

BP from range

@NBCSAuthentic pic.twitter.com/dVQEJ5k4cm
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) February 26, 2026

Brandin Podziemski is crucial for banged-up Warriors

Golden State has been decimated by injuries. Jimmy Butler is out for the season, Steph Curry is nursing a sore knee and new acquisition Kristaps Porzingis has played just one game. Podziemski's offense is necessary for his shorthanded team.

At the same time, he's also playing for his next contract, as he becomes eligible for a rookie extension this summer. Podziemski plays good defense, rebounds well for a guard and led the NBA in charges drawn as a rookie. But it's his offense that's going to determine whether the team commits to him long-term.

Scoring 19 points on his 23rd birthday certainly helps his cause. It's also helped the Warriors to a respectable 4-5 record without Curry, who could be back by next week. Then the whole team's playoff chances may be ready to rebound as well.

Sean Keane

Sean Keane is a sportswriter and a comedian based in Oakland, California, with experience covering the NBA, MLB, NFL and Ice Cube’s three-on-three basketball league, The Big 3. He’s written for Comedy Central’s “Another Period,” ESPN the Magazine, and Audible. com

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