Brandin Podziemski addressed the Golden State Warriors’ challenges in the third quarter following Sunday’s 116-93 loss to the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. The guard pointed to turnovers late in the second quarter as a turning point.
“We had three possessions where we turned it over. A couple of them made transition. Although it didn’t result in points, I think it just gave them a little bit more confidence to hang around,” Podziemski said.
He admitted that the team’s offensive execution in the third quarter could have been sharper. “Some of it comes down to making shots. Some of it comes down to getting into things that we want to get into. But I think it really started with the turnovers because a really good transition team,” he explained. Podziemski highlighted the Nuggets’ ability to capitalize on Golden State’s mistakes. “Yeah, we’re locked in. Kept them in the half court. They miss some shots they normally make. But keeping them out of transition is easier said than done,” he added.
Podziemski also discussed the team’s growing familiarity with Kristaps Porzingis. “Every game is growing for us and he’s playing really well, high level. We’re understanding what his tendencies are, what he likes, what he doesn’t. Each game that we’re playing, he’s getting better and better,” he said, emphasizing the positive trajectory for the team.
On his own scoring approach, Podziemski focused on opportunistic play rather than conscious point accumulation. “Not really thinking about that honestly. Just playing my game, taking opportunities when they’re there and just let the results fall where they may. Fortunately, the result has been looking pretty good,” he remarked.
The Warriors continue to navigate the season without Stephen Curry, who has missed 25 consecutive games with a right knee issue. Golden State has struggled in his absence, losing 16 of 25 contests. Sunday’s defeat extended their road challenges against a Nuggets team riding a six-game winning streak led by Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.
Podziemski’s comments underline both the immediate difficulties the Warriors face on the court and the team’s adjustment period with Porzingis. The Nuggets outscored Golden State 40-21 in the third quarter to turn a seven-point halftime deficit into a commanding lead.
Golden State will aim to rebound when they host San Antonio on Tuesday, while the Nuggets travel to Utah on Wednesday to continue their playoff push.
