SAN FRANCISCO – The Golden State Warriors captured a surprising 128-117 victory against the Denver Nuggets, powered by standout performances from Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody. Despite missing star players like Stephen Curry and Kristaps Porzingis due to injury and illness, the team displayed resilience and depth, highlighting the key roles these young talents play for the Warriors’ future.
Stephen Curry remained sidelined as he continues to recover from a runner’s knee, while Kristaps Porzingis was out with an undisclosed illness. Draymond Green also missed the game because of left lower back soreness. Even without their marquee names, the Warriors found a way to pull off the upset, bolstered significantly by their rookie first-round draft picks.
Podziemski’s Commanding Performance in the Fourth Quarter
Brandin Podziemski delivered an impressive all-around effort, compiling 18 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assists. He was especially dominant in the fourth quarter, where he scored 15 points without missing a shot and pulled down eight rebounds, effectively closing out the game for Golden State. His clutch play proved crucial in overcoming the favored Nuggets.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr praised Podziemski’s late-game impact, calling his performance “phenomenal.” Kerr acknowledged the ups and downs Podziemski has experienced this season but emphasized his versatility and importance to the team.
“I think he had eight rebounds in the quarter. Hit a couple big shots. He was brilliant, and we needed it… It’s been up and down for [him], for sure. But our season has been up and down as a whole, and sometimes a team’s struggles impact the individuals. But we know what he can do. For the last couple of years, he’s been one of our highest plus-minus players. He’s very versatile player.”
– Steve Kerr, Golden State Warriors head coach
Moses Moody Continues to Provide Steady Leadership
Moses Moody led all Warriors scorers with 23 points, adding seven rebounds and five assists. His steady contributions have made him a reliable figure for Golden State, especially in the absence of their established stars. Over the past six weeks, Moody has averaged 14.4 points on 45.7% shooting, showcasing consistent growth and maturity in his role.
Kerr applauded Moody’s sustained excellence and defensive prowess, describing him as perhaps the team’s most dependable performer in recent weeks.
“Moses has been brilliant for six weeks,”
Kerr said.
“He’s shooting the lights out– the confidence. He’s maybe been our most consistent performer. His on-ball defense– he’s top of the league against pick and roll. And he’s such a great teammate. He’s there for you every night the way he works. He’s so poised. It’s really fun to watch Moses blossom and have such a good season.”
– Steve Kerr, Golden State Warriors head coach
Developmental Journey of Podziemski and Moody in the Warriors System
Podziemski’s season has featured its share of challenges, including criticism from fans and struggles with maintaining rhythm during games. As he approaches contract negotiations for a summer extension, his progress remains under close observation. Kerr continues to maintain faith in the young guard’s potential and has used performances like this one to reinforce the teachings emphasized by the coaching staff.
“He’s a really confident guy. He wants the ball, he wants the big shot, but like every player, he needs the rhythm,”
Kerr explained.
“He needs the flow of the game, and he can help himself. It’s one of the things we’re trying to teach him. He can help himself by actually getting off the ball earlier in a possession and then getting it back. And at times he wants to make the play from the outset, and that’s a lot to do. So he’s still learning and growing, but that was a fantastic night.”
– Steve Kerr, Golden State Warriors head coach
Moody, who grew up as a dominant player in Little Rock, Arkansas, has had to adjust to the faster pace and higher demands of the NBA. His recent conversations with Kerr helped solidify his role on the team as one of composure and reliable playmaking.
“I had a conversation with coach [Kerr] yesterday,”
Moody recalled.
“And I was asking him, with Steph being gone, do you need me to do anything else? Does my role change at all? And he was saying, that’s one of his favorite things about me. Just that the composure and the being solid, and I’ve been really solid for a long time. And I heard that, and that’s the same thing that I’ve been thinking. But it’s cool to have somebody else say it too, what you are, what’s been in your head.”
– Moses Moody, Golden State Warriors player
Moody admitted that learning to filter advice from others and focusing on what improves offensive flow has been key to his adaptation.
“I don’t take everything everybody says, but finding things that make sense, and a lot of those things fall in that lane to be able to make offense flow.”
Warriors Face Injury Challenges But Remain Optimistic
The Warriors’ lineup was noticeably impacted by injuries and illnesses, with Porzingis unable to leave his hotel room due to sickness on game day, and Draymond Green sidelined because of lower back tightness suffered during warmups. Kerr did not specify Porzingis’s condition but acknowledged his chronic health struggles with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), suggesting the team understands the risks associated with his health issues.
Kerr emphasized the Warriors’ confidence in Porzingis’ medical background when they made the trade, but the timeframe for his recovery remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Draymond Green’s absence was less disruptive than in previous seasons, reflecting changes in his role and performance levels.
“We know too that as you get older, it’s tougher to do it every night,”
Kerr noted before the game.
“In his prime, you could count on him every single night you get older. It just doesn’t work that way. There’s going to be nights where shots go in. There’s nights where they don’t. But the thing that’s consistent with Draymond is he’s there for us every night. The level of defensive intensity, but also just his acumen, is so helpful for us.”
– Steve Kerr, Golden State Warriors head coach
Kerr and the Warriors organization, including owner Joe Lacob, continue to place trust in Green despite new challenges and trade speculation rumored during the recent Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes. The team hopes Green recovers in time for their upcoming road trip, underscoring the season’s ongoing adjustments.
The Emerging Potential of the Warriors’ Young Core
Podziemski and Moody have begun to embody the youthful energy and promise the Warriors have been seeking amid this transitional period. Their ability to step up in critical moments and produce on both ends of the court gives Golden State hope as the team navigates a difficult season without its usual stars.
This performance serves as a valuable indicator of the team’s depth and may shape how the roster evolves once Stephen Curry returns. While the Warriors remain uncertain about the timeline for their top players’ comebacks, the growth of Podziemski and Moody injects renewed optimism into the franchise’s future prospects.
Steve Kerr on Brandin Podziemski’s huge 4th QTR after a rough start shooting:
“He's a really confident guy, you know, he wants the ball, he wants the big shot, but like every player, he needs the rhythm, he needs the flow of the game.”
Talked about his season and development. pic.twitter.com/IaWfWV4o8j
— Kenzo Fukuda (@kenzofuku) February 22, 2026
Moses Moody said that the key lately has been “simplifying the game.” I asked him if that’s something he had to learn and develop as a young player in the NBA:
“I had to learn that early on, because playing ball, growing up Little Rock Arkansas, we just hooping.”
Full soundbite pic.twitter.com/aF0HdNRXB5
— Kenzo Fukuda (@kenzofuku) February 22, 2026
No specifics on Kristaps Porzingis's illness from Steve Kerr, but he said he won't even be at the game today as he's too sick to leave his hotel room.
"He's not even going to come over here. He's pretty sick."
— Kenzo Fukuda (@kenzofuku) February 22, 2026
