The Golden State Warriors bounced back from a tough loss in New Orleans by scoring 133 points while eight of their nine players reached double figures, securing a 133-112 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday in Tennessee. The win doubled as a birthday celebration for Brandin Podziemski, who turned 23 that day and showcased his all-around talents.
Missing key players like Draymond Green due to lower back soreness, Stephen Curry and Kristaps Porzingis sidelined to preserve their health, and De’Anthony Melton resting under a back-to-back limitation, the Warriors relied heavily on their second and third units to carry the effort.
Head coach Steve Kerr emphasized the improved ball movement after the earlier game’s struggles, noting the importance of exploiting the post.
We played through the post quite a bit, Al [Horford] was fantastic… He created a lot of advantages for us. They started doubling him, and we were able to move the ball really well. 37 assists. Just a really good night for everybody who stepped on the floor.
Will Richard emerged as the leading player with 21 points, accompanied by five rebounds, six assists, and three steals, while Podziemski added 19 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. Gary Payton II contributed 19 points and three steals, and Gui Santos, Moses Moody, and Pat Spencer combined for 43 points. Al Horford also returned strong, adding 10 points and seven rebounds, while Quinten Post posted 12 points and eight boards. Even Malefy Leons, a two-way player, made an impact with nine points, eight rebounds, and two steals, a performance Kerr appreciated.
I’m really enjoying coaching these guys,
Kerr said.
“The energy, the enthusiasm, supporting each other, it’s a really fun group.”
Podziemski’s Progress Highlights the Warriors’ Versatility
Brandin Podziemski’s third season has encountered various challenges as he struggled to find consistency and offensive explosiveness. The Warriors have been seeking ways to maximize his diverse skill set amid a fluctuating team performance. Recently, his contributions across multiple facets of the game have become essential.
In the last six games, Podziemski has averaged 16 points, nine rebounds, and over five assists per game. His back-to-back 15-rebound performances stand out as a remarkable achievement, especially for a guard, reflecting his valuable presence beyond scoring.
Kerr praised Podziemski’s overall impact on the court, saying,
Brandin’s been great. Just the totality of his game,
and continued,
What he does on the glass, handling the ball, playing off the ball. We’re trying to find that balance. He still, at times, gets himself in trouble, but he’s also a young player who has the ability to do a lot. And he’s trying to do a lot. So it’s all with great intentions. Just finding that balance, and he’s doing a great job of that.
The focus this season has been finding that equilibrium, as Kerr notes Podziemski performs best when not overextending himself with too many responsibilities. Podziemski echoed this mindset after a recent win against Denver, stating,
During the game, I don’t think about it,
and added,
I just do what the game calls for. I know my IQ for the game, and knowing things is what got me this far. The worst thing you can do is second-guess your decisions, and it looks even worse. So I just go out there and play the game.
Warriors Return Home to Face Lakers Amid Injury Updates
After finishing the brief road trip with a 1-1 record, the Warriors are set to return to their home court to face the Los Angeles Lakers. Maintaining a .500 performance through the rest of the season is critical for Golden State as they aim to hold onto their position in the standings while dealing with injuries and fierce competition from teams like Memphis that are tanking.
Coach Kerr expects Draymond Green to be available for the game against the Lakers after managing his back soreness carefully. The team is monitoring Kristaps Porzingis’s health status, with further updates expected soon, while Stephen Curry’s knee inflammation will be re-evaluated on February 28th. Despite the lack of structural damage, Curry’s ongoing discomfort has kept him absent.
This recent victory exemplifies the Warriors’ depth and resilience, particularly when their stars are sidelined. While many of their wins this season have come against struggling teams, Golden State remains capable of tough, gritty play. As they head back to the Bay Area, the Warriors look to continue leveraging their collective effort to secure wins and bolster their postseason prospects.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr highlighted Golden State’s ball movement and the play of Malevy Leons.
“A really good night for everybody who stepped on the floor. … Malevy was awesome. The energy defending without fouling.”
More: pic.twitter.com/HF3ic7pmjW
— Sam Gordon (@BySamGordon) February 26, 2026
“I’m really enjoying coaching these guys.”
Warriors coach Steve Kerr was happy with his team’s ball movement and pace and unselfish play in the win over Memphis. pic.twitter.com/MtHEmrvf07
— Joseph Dycus (@joseph_dycus) February 26, 2026
