Brandin Podziemski highlighted the Golden State Warriors’ focus on defense and team play following a 133-112 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. “I think we set it really on the defensive end to start the game, just set a tone, got some easy ones,” Podziemski said.
On starting quarters and halves strong, he added, “You look at the third quarter, we really didn’t set a tone to start there. Just trying to start quarters, start halves with a tone set and play off that.”
Podziemski downplayed his individual performance despite his 19-point output, saying it wasn’t his best game. “Uh, no. High school probably. It was a playoff game in high school. We won and advanced.”
He emphasized the value of balanced scoring. “Down box where you see double-figure scores and some efficiency, it seems like a theme when we won against Grizzlies and against Denver. We all collectively pitch in and it comes a little easier for us,” he said.
Podziemski also praised the contributions of teammates like Malevy Leons. “He came up and said he wanted to make most of the opportunity. Eight boards, seven in the first half in seven minutes. Really great player, great teammate, great dude, and it’s cool to see people make the most of what they get,” he added.
Golden State dominated early, fueled by a 29-8 second-quarter run that gave them a 74-53 halftime lead. Will Richard led all scorers with 21 points, while Gary Payton II also contributed 19. Gui Santos added 17 points, and eight of the nine players who saw action reached double figures.
Memphis was paced by GG Jackson’s 24 points and eight rebounds, while Ty Jerome scored 22 points with five assists. The Grizzlies have now lost 12 of their last 15 games, tying for 12th place in the Western Conference with the Dallas Mavericks.
The Warriors, starting the night eighth in the West, will host the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday. Memphis begins a three-game road trip in Dallas on Friday.
