Playing for the first time on Christmas Day, Brandin Podziemski finished with a rare stat line for the Golden State Warriors on the road against the Denver Nuggets.
Podziemski produced 13 points, nine rebounds, six assists and five steals in the 120-114 loss, which snapped a five-game win streak. He went 4-of-7 from the field, including 3-of-4 from 3-point range, in his seventh straight start for the Warriors.
The 19th pick became the sixth rookie since 2005 to record at least 13 points, nine rebounds, six assists and five steals in a game. He is the 18th rookie to reach that stat line.
“I couldn’t tell you how I do it,” Podziemski said. “I just see it and do it. I guess I have a good feel for the game and try to impact winning on both sides of the ball: Playmaking, rebounding, steals, whatever the team needs. I think I did a good job of that tonight.”
Brandin Podziemski knifes in and rips it away!
His 5th steal of the game đź‘€#NBAXmas on ABC/ESPN pic.twitter.com/j7IfOxLtM1
— NBA (@NBA) December 25, 2023
Podziemski played sparingly to start the season and even spent time in the G League with the Santa Cruz Warriors. However, head coach Steve Kerr opted to insert him into the rotation last month because of his ability as a playmaker at point guard.
The 20-year-old is averaging 8.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, three assists and one steal on 40.5% shooting from 3-point range in 24 games this season with the Warriors. His numbers as a starter: 10.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 2.1 steals.
The Warriors (15-15) have 12 of their next 16 games at home, including seven straight beginning Thursday against Miami. They hope to go on a run over that stretch to better position themselves in the Western Conference.
“We can go on a seven-game win streak,” Podziemski said. “I don’t see why not. We got a bunch of good teams coming into Chase (Center). I think our home court is better than anybody’s in the NBA. I think we can win all seven and go out East and win those four, too.”
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