Brandin Podziemski made his return to the court after missing almost four weeks due to an abdominal injury, and his comeback came at the same time as one of the best performances by the Warriors’ bench in the team’s history.
Podziemski, who had missed 12 games, contributed in several areas. He scored 10 points and had a plus-22 rating, the second-highest on the team. He also grabbed four rebounds, provided two assists, recorded a steal, and took a tough charge from Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball. In the second half, Podziemski scored after a quick pass from Stephen Curry.
His efforts were part of the Warriors’ second unit, which helped drive Golden State to a 131-106 victory over the Chicago Bulls.
The Warriors’ bench combined for 83 points, which is the third-highest total in the franchise’s history since they started tracking the stat in 1970-71. The record is 94 points, set in 1977.
“All of them played well,” said Warriors coach Steve Kerr, who got strong performances from his bench players. “It was an incredible performance off the bench.”
Quinten Post, who has earned more playing time recently, led the way with career highs of 20 points, seven field goals, and three assists. Post also made five 3-pointers, becoming the first 7-foot or taller player in Warriors history to do that, according to Elias Sports Bureau (although height is not officially tracked).
Gui Santos, who set a career-high in scoring the previous game in Sacramento, set another personal best with 19 points and seven rebounds. He also hit five 3-pointers, tying Post and Curry for the team lead. This was the first time the Warriors had multiple bench players hit at least five 3-pointers in a game.
Moses Moody added 16 points, and Dennis Schroder contributed 11, making five Warriors reserves in double figures.
Santos Statement
“Today felt so great shooting because we were driving, getting to the paint, and kicking outside,” Santos said. “That’s the shot you work on every day. When you have these shots in the game, the confidence that you have is way, way bigger.”
The Warriors’ bench has been a topic of discussion throughout the season.
Before the season, Kerr talked about the depth of his team and all the options it gave him. At times, the bench lived up to the hype, but it lacked the consistency needed from a team with aging superstars and rookies with little experience.
Now that Podziemski is back, along with Santos and Post playing their best basketball of the season, things seem to be improving for Golden State.
“The cutting and quick passing, that’s what’s exciting,” Kerr said. “Quinten has that, Brandin has that, Gui has that. When the game starts to flow and the ball is really moving and the spacing is good, that’s basketball and that’s what we’ve prided ourselves on for years here. It’s really fun to see these young guys picking that up and playing well together.”
