How many points does Brandin Podziemski have tonight against LA Lakers? (Apr. 3)
Brandin Podziemski took the spotlight in the star-studded showdown between the Golden State Warriors and LA Lakers on Thursday. In a matchup featuring Steph Curry, Luka Doncic and LeBron James, Podziemski stole the thunder from the superstar trio.
Podziemski went 3-for-3 from behind the arc in the first quarter to help push the Dubs to a 26-22 lead. The former Sta. Clara star hit the 3-pointers in the first two minutes to soften the Lakers’ edge in size. He added two rebounds and an assist in the first 12 minutes.
The second quarter saw Brandin Podziemski scatter 13 points to lead the Golden State Warriors’ strong surge late in the period. He drilled a 33-footer just as time expired to give the visiting team a 60-47 lead. Podziemski scored 22 points in the first half, which is already a season-high for the combo guard.
Brandin Podziemski cooled off in the third quarter. After hardly missing in the first half, he went 0-for-5 to start the second half. He contributed with his defense and hustle on the boards to help the Warriors take an 88-77 lead with 12 minutes left to play.
The No. 19 pick in the 2023 draft had an underrated two-way impact in the fourth quarter. He took a backseat to Steph Curry but contributed six points and three assists. Podziemski also did his part in giving Luka Doncic a rough shooting night to help the Warriors beat the Lakers 123-116.
Podziemski finished the game with 28 points, eight rebounds and six assists. He shot 10-for-17, including 8-for-10 from behind the arc.
The Golden State Warriors need Brandin Podziemski to sustain his form
The thrilling win against the LA Lakers improved the Golden State Warriors' record to 45-31 for the No. 5 spot in the Western Conference. They crept to within one game of the LA Lakers (46-30) for the No. 4 seed. The Dubs need to have a better record than the Lakers to move past LeBron James and Co. after LA won the tiebreaker.
The Warriors could still clinch an outright playoff berth or fall to the play-in tournament. To move into the top 4, Steph Curry needs his crew, including Jimmy Butler, Brandin Podziemski and Draymond Green to sustain their form.
Golden State will close the season with games against the Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, Phoenix Suns, San Antonio Spurs, Portland Trail Blazers and LA Clippers. Podziemski, often an unsung hero, can give his team a lift if he continues to play well.