Brandin Podziemski helps out with birthday bashes

One way to bounce back from a disappointment like this The Golden State Warriors had in New Orleans is to score 133 points with eight of your nine players scoring in double figures. And that’s exactly what the Dubs did in Tennessee as they dispatched the Memphis Grizzlies 133-112 in the lottery on the back of a quick road trip. It was a great birthday present for Brandin Pod Ziemiawho turned 23 on Wednesday.

With Draymond Green has been ruled out with lower back painStephen Curry and Kristaps Porzingis are at home taking care of their health, and De’Anthony Melton is resting in accordance with his back-to-back policy, the Warriors gathered with their second- and third-league players.

“The way the ball moved,” coach Steve Kerr especially emphasized, given the lack of rhythm in New Orleans. “We played through the post a lot, Al (Horford) was fantastic … He created a lot of opportunities for us. They started to double him and we were able to move the ball really well. 37 assists. Really good night for everyone who stepped on the floor.”

Dubs guard Will Richard will be front and center on the poster as he led the team with 21 points to go along with 5 rebounds, six assists and three steals, but it was a solid effort against the injury-riddled Grizzlies.

Birthday Podziemski continued his strong play so far with 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Gary Payton II scored 19 points with three steals. Guy Santos, Moses Moody and Pat Spencer combined for 43 points. Al Horford returned with a solid 10 points and seven rebounds, and Quinten Post added 12 points and eight rebounds. Even two-way player Malefi Leons got in on the action with nine points, eight rebounds and two steals, which the head coach loved it.

“I really enjoy coaching these guys,” Kerr said. “The energy, the enthusiasm, the support for each other, it’s a really fun group.”

Brandin Pod Ziemia finds balance

Podziemski’s third season didn’t go as well as many would have liked, given all his ups and downs. With his offensive struggles and a lack of firework-style jump in his game, the combo guard has had a tough time navigating his way as the Warriors search for answers to their up-and-down season. But over the last few games, the Warriors have relied on his Swiss Army Knife all-around game, and he’s delivered.

Over the last six games, Podziemski is averaging 16.0 points, 9.0 rebounds and 5.2 assists. Highlights of that stretch include back-to-back 15-rebound games, a rare trait in guards that makes him very valuable even if the scoring isn’t always there.

“Brandin was great. Just his overall game,” Kerr said. “What he’s doing on the glass, handling the ball, playing the ball. We’re trying to find that balance. He still, sometimes, gets into trouble, but he’s also a young player who has the ability to do a lot. And he tries to do a lot. So it’s all with great intentions. Just finding that balance, and he’s doing a great job.”

Finding that balance has been a battle for Podziemski this year. As Kerr has said all year, Podziemski is at his best when he’s off the ball quickly – when he’s not overexerting himself.

“During the game I don’t think about it,” Podziemski said after the win in Denver earlier this week. “I just do what the game calls for. I know my IQ for the game, and knowing things is what got me this far. The worst thing you can do is second-guess your decisions, and it looks worse. So I just go out there and play the game.”

The warriors return home

The Warriors finish the short road trip 1-1 and return home to face the Los Angeles Lakers. Going .500 the rest of the season is pretty much a recipe for Golden State going forward as they look to hold onto their spot in the standings. With teams like Memphis below them committed to pitching, the margin for error isn’t that small, even with their injuries. What that means for actual playoff contention is another story, but for now, they’re doing enough to tread water.

As for their injury information, Kerr expects Green to return for the Lakers game as they decided to play it safe on the back end of this back-to-back. As for Porzingis, we’ll get a better idea of ​​how he’s dealing with his illness in the coming days. And for the key to this whole operation, Curry is scheduled to be reevaluated on February 28with the hope that the inflammation in his knee has subsided enough for him to return to the game. His runner’s knee was a nebulous injury. No structural damage, but enough discomfort to keep him on the sidelines.

Regardless, a win like this showed what this Warriors team is doing right now. Capable of winning with their depth, albeit against lesser teams, and more than fierce against tougher competition. They will look to continue their poor run of form at home to Bay.