The Golden State Warriors secured a 126-121 comeback win over the Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA play-in tournament on Wednesday night at Intuit Dome, overturning a 13-point fourth-quarter deficit to stay alive in the postseason race. Brandin Podziemski delivered a key all-around performance while highlighting the team’s late-game mentality.
Podziemski, who played 40 minutes and logged 17 points, seven rebounds, and two assists, emphasized the consistency of Golden State’s response under pressure throughout the game. He said, “I think we were down 10 maybe four or five times at various points of the game and we just got a resilient group like I said before we started.”
The Warriors trailed multiple times in double digits but repeatedly responded with scoring runs, led by Stephen Curry and Al Horford in the fourth quarter. Podziemski pointed to the team’s veteran core as the stabilizing force during those swings.
He explained, “It’s just got a bunch of guys that’s been there and it’s been a really high level games and have won championships and know what it’s like to come back and so yeah, we just every time out we’re like it’s okay.”
Golden State’s closing execution proved decisive, with Horford’s perimeter shooting and Curry’s second-half scoring surge shifting momentum late. Podziemski credited both players directly for the outcome.
He said, “And every time we responded and fought back and obviously the big shots Al made down the stretch and obviously Steph doing what he does and then Draymond finishing up on defensive end, just a team effort.”
Curry finished with 35 points after scoring 27 in the second half, while Draymond Green anchored the defensive effort against Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers’ late possessions. Podziemski emphasized how that blend of star production and defensive discipline shaped the result.
He added, “Al you just said made big plays. Draymond defensively was incredible. And obviously Steph Curry 27 in the second half.”
The rookie guard also reflected on Curry’s second-half takeover, which came after a quieter opening two quarters. Podziemski acknowledged the predictable unpredictability of Curry’s scoring bursts.
He said, “It makes sense the results he gets back from all the stuff he puts into it… you can see what he does on a daily basis and the rewards he’s reaping from it.”
Podziemski has also taken on a larger role since the All-Star break, a stretch in which he has handled increased defensive attention and expanded offensive responsibility. He pointed to that experience as a turning point in his development.
He said, “I think it’s an invaluable experience for me… it’s a blessing in disguise when they went down just cuz everybody gets a different opportunity to have the spotlight on them.”
The Warriors now advance to a win-or-go-home matchup against the Phoenix Suns, with a playoff berth on the line. Podziemski’s minutes-heavy outing and steady production added another layer to Golden State’s rotation depth heading into Friday’s decisive game.
