Warriors' Brandin Podziemski rebounds from slump

Podziemski's rebounding surge has energized his overall game and helped the shorthanded Warriors stay afloat

Feb. 26, 2026 at 3:40am

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After struggling with his shooting in the first three quarters of Sunday's game against the Denver Nuggets, Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski turned things around by crashing the boards, grabbing 8 rebounds and scoring 15 points in the final quarter to lead Golden State to a 128-117 win. Podziemski has carried that rebounding momentum into the team's next two games, recording 15+ points and 15+ rebounds in consecutive contests - a feat only accomplished by three other Warriors players in the last 20 years.

Why it matters

The Warriors have been decimated by injuries this season, with key players like Jimmy Butler and Kristaps Porzingis sidelined. Podziemski's increased production on the glass and on the scoreboard has been crucial in helping the shorthanded Warriors stay afloat in the Western Conference playoff race. Additionally, Podziemski is playing for a contract extension this summer, so his recent strong play could go a long way in determining his future with the team.

The details

Podziemski, a 6-foot-4 guard, has struggled with his shooting consistency at times this season, but his rebounding surge has helped energize the rest of his game. In the final quarter against the Nuggets, he grabbed 8 rebounds and scored 15 points to lead the Warriors to victory. He followed that up with a 15-rebound effort against the Grizzlies on Tuesday, and then added 8 more rebounds and 19 points in Wednesday's win over Memphis.

  • On February 26, Podziemski had only 3 points on 1-of-10 shooting through 3 quarters against the Nuggets.
  • In the 4th quarter of that game, Podziemski grabbed 8 rebounds and scored 15 points to help the Warriors win 128-117.
  • On February 28, Podziemski recorded 15 points and 15 rebounds in the Warriors' victory over the Grizzlies.
  • On March 1, Podziemski had 8 rebounds and 19 points in the Warriors' 133-112 win over the Grizzlies.

The players

Brandin Podziemski

A talented all-around player for the Golden State Warriors who has struggled with shooting consistency but has seen a recent surge in rebounding and scoring.

Kevin Durant

A future Hall of Famer who is one of only four Warriors players in the last 20 years to record 15+ points and 15+ rebounds in consecutive games, a feat Podziemski has now accomplished.

David Lee

An All-Star forward who is also one of the four Warriors players to achieve the 15/15 stat line in consecutive games, a club Podziemski has now joined.

Andris Biedrins

A former Warriors center who is the fourth player in the last 20 years to record 15+ points and 15+ rebounds in back-to-back games for Golden State, a milestone Podziemski has now reached.

Jimmy Butler

A key Warriors player who is currently out for the season due to injury, making Podziemski's contributions even more important for the shorthanded team.

Steph Curry

The Warriors' star player who is currently nursing a sore knee, further increasing the need for Podziemski to step up offensively and on the boards.

Kristaps Porzingis

A new acquisition for the Warriors who has played just one game so far this season due to injury, leaving more responsibility for players like Podziemski.

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What’s next

Curry could return as soon as next week, which would provide a boost to the Warriors' playoff chances. Podziemski's continued strong play on the boards and on the offensive end will be crucial in helping the team stay afloat until Curry's return.

The takeaway

Podziemski's recent rebounding surge has been a major factor in helping the shorthanded Warriors stay competitive in the Western Conference playoff race. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways, beyond just scoring, makes him a valuable asset for Golden State as they navigate key injuries to their roster.