SAN FRANCISCO — In a season defined by shifting roles and roster uncertainty, Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski delivered a career-defining performance on Sunday, February 22, 2026. The second-year guard took over in the fourth quarter to lead the Warriors to an improbable 118-112 victory over the Denver Nuggets at Chase Center.
With Stephen Curry sidelined and Draymond Green a late scratch from the lineup, Podziemski stepped into the vacuum of leadership. The 22-year-old “scorched” the Nuggets’ defense in the final frame, according to post-game analysis, securing a win that keeps Golden State’s postseason hopes alive during the final 28-game stretch of the regular season.
Clutch Performance Amid Roster Turmoil
The victory comes at a critical juncture for both Podziemski and the franchise. Following the recent trade of Jonathan Kuminga, head coach Steve Kerr has publicly challenged Podziemski to increase his production. While Kerr recently noted that the young guard “at times is too ambitious,” that same aggression proved vital against Denver. Podziemski has been on a tear over his last four games, averaging 14.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists.
Before Sunday’s breakout, speculation had begun to swirl regarding Podziemski’s long-term fit with the team. Some league insiders suggested the Warriors might “cut ties” at the end of the season if his development didn’t align with the team’s championship timeline. However, his ability to facilitate the offense in Curry’s absence has reignited discussions about his future contract and status as a potential cornerstone.
Rising From College Afterthought to NBA Starter
Podziemski’s journey to this moment has been one of rapid ascension. After a freshman year at Illinois where he averaged just 1.4 points per game, he transferred to Santa Clara. There, he became a school-record four-time WCC Player of the Week, averaging 19.9 points and 8.8 rebounds in the 2022-23 season. This surge led to him being selected 19th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft.
As a rookie, he quickly earned Kerr’s trust, appearing in 74 games and making 28 starts. Now in his second year, the Greenfield, Wisconsin native is proving that his versatility—averaging 12 points and 3.6 assists on the season—is essential for a Warriors team in transition.
What’s Next for the Warriors?
The Warriors now face a grueling West Coast swing without several key veterans. With Kristaps Porzingis also on the inactive list, the team will rely heavily on the “new-look” backcourt of Podziemski and Moses Moody. Fantasy basketball analysts have already flagged Podziemski as a top waiver-wire priority as his usage rate continues to climb in the absence of the “Splash Brothers” era stars.
The Warriors are scheduled to continue their homestand later this week, where all eyes will be on whether Podziemski can maintain this high-level production and solidify his place in Golden State’s future plans.