Brandin Podziemski’s Clutch Fourth-Quarter Surge Leads Warriors’ Epic Comeback Over Grizzlies

Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski is rapidly transforming from promising prospect to late-game difference-maker—and his surge could not come at a better time for a playoff-hungry Golden State roster now leaning on its youth. On 9 February the 22-year-old swingman delivered a signature sequence at Chase Center: 16 points, stout on-ball defense and a game-saving contest on Cam Spencer’s final attempt that sealed a 114-113 comeback win over the Memphis Grizzlies. The performance marked Podziemski’s fourth straight outing in double figures and reinforced head coach Steve Kerr’s trust in the 6-5 lefty as a primary closer alongside veterans Draymond Green and Al Horford. Just 48 hours earlier Podziemski had been listed as questionable with an upper-respiratory illness, but he was cleared mid-game and finished the night without restrictions. The quick turnaround underscores the Illinois native’s growing reputation for durability; despite off-season wrist and core procedures, he has missed only two contests all year. Next up is a critical Western Conference showdown against the San Antonio Spurs on 11 February. Preliminary injury reports indicate that Podziemski, along with Green, Moses Moody and Gary Payton II, is expected to be available, giving Golden State its deepest backcourt rotation since January. The Spurs have struggled to contain perimeter scorers this season, surrendering the NBA’s fifth-highest opponent three-point percentage—an inviting matchup for a player shooting 39.8 % from distance since New Year’s Day. Beyond the box score, Podziemski’s emergence is reshaping Golden State’s offensive identity. He ranks third on the team in secondary assists and leads all Warriors guards in charges drawn, providing the two-way spark once expected from departed sixth-man Buddy Hield. Advanced metrics echo the eye test: the Warriors are plus-7.4 points per 100 possessions with Podziemski on the floor, compared with minus-2.1 when he sits. Scouts cite three factors behind the leap: 1. Elevated pick-and-roll usage. Kerr has gradually increased Podziemski’s on-ball reps, and he now averages 8.2 drives per game—double his rookie rate. 2. Off-ball relocation mirroring Stephen Curry. Film shows Podziemski logging a team-high 1.7 miles per game in offensive movement, freeing him for catch-and-shoot triples. 3. Improved defensive footwork. After spending part of the off-season with assistant coach Bruce Fraser on hip-turn drills, Podziemski is holding opponents to 43.2 % shooting as a primary defender, best among Golden State guards with 300+ match-ups. With Kristaps Porziņģis targeting a post-All-Star return and Curry nursing runner’s-knee soreness, Podziemski’s consistency could determine whether the Warriors climb out of the Play-In zone. A strong showing versus San Antonio would also bolster his candidacy for the NBA’s Most Improved Player chatter that has bubbled in recent weeks. For now, what matters most is availability and momentum—two boxes Brandin Podziemski keeps checking. If the recent clutch heroics are any indication, the Chase Center faithful may soon be chanting a new name in crunch time: “Podz.”