The Golden State Warriors fell to the Miami Heat on Thursday. Miami outworked Golden State, winning the majority of the hustle battles and finding ways to generate offense in the half court.
Tyler Herro led the way for Miami, dropping 26 points and seven rebounds on the Warriors.
When speaking to the media following the game, rookie Brandin Podziemski revealed he should shoulder the blame for Golden State’s latest loss. He noted how his job is to bring energy to the starting unit, and he failed in that role against the Heat.
“I think a lot falls on my plate,” Podziemski said. “I’m the guy who’s supposed to bring the energy and the hustle plays and effort plays. I didn’t do that tonight. I can usually gauge that by how many steals, deflections, and rebounds I get. Tonight was probably my worst performance of the year in that case. So, I think it starts with me. Coach can say that it’s his fault that he didn’t get us prepared and what not. But, I’m in that starting group for that reason, and I don’t think I bring that energy and effort tonight like I usually do.”
Podziemski ended the game with 10 points, 6 assists and three rebounds, shooting 44.4% from the field and going 2-of-5 from 3-point range. As a rookie, he will have games he struggles to make his usual impact. It’s part of the learning process.
"Tonight was probably my worst performance of the year."
Podz doesn't feel his energy and effort was where it should be pic.twitter.com/8ogKniNfvJ
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) December 29, 2023
Although most fans will not agree with Podziemski’s assessment, they will likely be encouraged by the accountability and professionalism he is showing by accepting his share of the blame for the loss.
The Warriors look to get back on track when they face the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday.
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