When word leaked out that Curry would miss the Warriors’ matchup against the Timberwolves, almost everyone was certain that the team would lose.
The knowledge that Draymond Green and Klay Thompson were still in the game gave them some solace; provided the two players gave it their all, they still had a shot. Right?
Well, instead of putting their best foot forward, they got involved in a scuffle just two minutes into the match, leading to both of their ejections from the court.
And with Curry, Green, and Thompson out, the Warriors were doomed. They were up against a powerful, rising team that had only suffered two losses so far into the season.
But, unbeknownst to everybody, Kerr still had a few tricks up his sleeve. He tagged Kevon Looney to replace Green. And knowing that Kerr has a particular liking for veterans, it came as a surprise when he chose Brandin Podziemski, a rookie, to replace Thompson.
However, as soon as he stepped foot on the court, fans immediately knew why.
Yes, Podziemski was a novice, but his skills were clearly not. The 20-year-old from Santa Clara University scored nine points, dished out three assists, and pulled down two rebounds in his ten minutes in the first quarter, as per Yahoo Sports.
Brandin Podziemski
ARE YOU KIDDING ME ⁉️ pic.twitter.com/IEF3VC5zfz
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) November 15, 2023
His incredible play continued down the lane, leaving many in awe of his ball handling and shooting, including Curry, who was spotted smiling from the sidelines and visibly proud of Podziemski for filling in for the veterans.
But perhaps his most brilliant shot in the game came during the third quarter. The 6-foot-4 guard was pressed for time, as there were only two seconds left on the clock. But in a heartbeat, Podziemski shot a three-pointer just as the buzz went off.
This shot gave the Warriors a seven-point lead against the Timberwolves, 76-83.
"I look at myself like a spare tire."
Podziemski on his role with the Warriors 🛞 pic.twitter.com/cdcI4aes17
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) November 15, 2023
Despite the Timberwolves winning the game 104-101, as they turned the tables on the fourth quarter, the hero of the evening remained Podziemski.
In a post-game interview, Coach Kerr, who was equally as impressed as the crowd, declared that he would keep playing every night.
“He’s going to play,” Kerr said, as per NBC Sports. “He’s going to play every night. He’s earned that.”
Cover Photo: IG