SAN FRANCISCO – The Golden State Warriors secured a vital 128-117 victory over the Denver Nuggets at Chase Center on Sunday despite facing significant lineup challenges. Without star Steph Curry, sidelined due to runner’s knee, and Kristaps Porzingis, who missed the game with an illness, the Warriors leaned on a lean bench and a remarkable performance from Brandin Podziemski in the final quarter.
Playing with a depleted roster, the Warriors also lost Draymond Green five minutes before tipoff because of lower back soreness, forcing Al Horford into a critical defensive role against Nuggets’ star Nikola Jokic. Despite these setbacks, the team rallied behind Podziemski’s electrifying fourth-quarter scoring spree to pull away late in the contest.
Brandin Podziemski’s Late-Game Explosion Turns the Tide
Coming off the bench and struggling early with a 1-for-10 shooting performance, Brandin Podziemski exploded for 15 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter, using a mix of fadeaway jumpers, floaters, and three-pointers that ignited the home crowd. Alongside his scoring, Podziemski dominated the glass with 15 rebounds—eight of which came in the last period—and narrowly missed a triple-double by finishing with nine assists.
This clutch performance helped the Warriors shake off a gritty Nuggets team led by Jokic, who posted 35 points, 20 rebounds, and 12 assists. Denver kept the game close throughout, entering the final six minutes tied at 109. However, Golden State seized control on a 7-0 spurt shortly after, ultimately closing out the game behind Podziemski’s momentum.
Supporting Contributors Step Up Amid Absences
Al Horford provided a vintage display, scoring 22 points on his son Ean’s 11th birthday, while Moses Moody led the Warriors with 23 points. De’Anthony Melton and Gui Santos also reached double figures with 20 and 17 points respectively. On a short bench, Gary Payton II added 15 points and Will Richard contributed 11, complementing the team’s collective effort against a tough opponent.
Early Dominance and Mid-Game Struggles Shape the Contest
The Warriors began the game strongly with a 39-27 advantage after the first quarter, fueled by sharp shooting from beyond the arc—9 made three-pointers on 19 attempts compared to Denver’s 10-for-27 field shooting. This offensive efficiency continued into halftime, as Golden State led 76-67 and recorded 25 assists on 27 made field goals.
However, a 15-minute halftime break disrupted their rhythm, as Golden State missed all 14 of their three-point attempts in the third quarter, coupled with six turnovers, allowing the Nuggets to take a 101-95 lead entering the final period. This shift put the Warriors in a precarious position, but the resilience displayed in the fourth quarter turned the game back in their favor.
Kristaps Porzingis Sidelined Due to Illness
After spending several days practicing with the Warriors and appearing poised to increase his playing time following his 12-point debut against Boston, Kristaps Porzingis was a last-minute scratch on Sunday morning. The 7-foot-2 center was confined to his Bay Area hotel due to an illness, leaving the Warriors even thinner in the frontcourt.
I got a text this morning that he was sick at the hotel, and he’s not even going to come over here,
Steve Kerr said. He’s pretty sick.
Porzingis, who has struggled with injuries and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) this season, has appeared in only 18 games. Kerr admitted uncertainty about the nature of Porzingis’s illness and whether he would be available for the Warriors’ upcoming road games in New Orleans and Memphis.
Warriors Rally Around Hockey During Off Hours
Steve Kerr and many members of the Warriors organization followed Sunday morning’s intense USA versus Canada Olympic gold medal hockey game, with a particular interest in Macklin Celebrini, son of the Warriors’ team doctor Rick Celebrini, who played for Canada.
Despite Canada’s 2-1 overtime loss, Kerr acknowledged the emotional significance of the game, especially the tribute paid by Team USA to the late Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, both tragically killed by a drunk driver in 2024.
I’d imagine they’re pretty disappointed, pretty bummed,
Kerr said.
It was incredibly emotional, and then they showed his parents in the stands,
Kerr added.
I knew the story, of course, but didn’t know his family would be at the game. That was just unbelievably emotional.
Next Steps for the Warriors on the Road
The Warriors, now holding a 30-27 record, will travel to New Orleans for a Tuesday evening matchup broadcast on NBC Sports Bay Area, facing another crucial test as they aim to sustain their momentum despite roster challenges. With key players sidelined and the team’s depth pressed to its limits, Brandin Podziemski’s emergence during this game offers a glimmer of hope for the stretch run.
