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Warriors Guard Joins Elite Company With Game 4 Performance

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Brandin Podziemski had a historic night in Game 4.

The Warriors needed everything they could get on Monday night. Game 4 of the Warriors-Rockets series was an absolute rock fight. The game had a bit of everything: incredible defense, coaching chess matches, and multiple amazing performances. Most of the headlines will surround Jimmy Butler’s epic return from injury or Draymond Green’s dominant defensive stop on the final play. However, there was one player who not only was the most important performer on the Warriors but also made history with his play. Brandin Podziemski’s Game 4 stat line put him on a list with some of the NBA greats. This is a great sign for the Warriors’ young guard in his quest for NBA stardom. 

Warriors Guard Brandin Podziemski Joins Elite Company With Game 4 Performance

Brandin Podziemski’s Historic Game 4 

Podziemski was the Warriors’ saving grace in Game 4. It seemed like every time the Warriors were stuck in the mud and needed someone to make a play, Podziemski was there. Especially with Stephen Curry having an off-shooting night, the Warriors looked to their second-year guard to generate a lot of their offense. 

And generate offense he did. Podziemski tied for a team-high 40 minutes in the game and was the team’s second-highest scorer behind Butler. Podziemski posted an impressive 26 points, five rebounds, and five assists on 6-of-11 from three. With this stat line, Podziemski joined a list with some top-tier players. He joined a list of the youngest players in NBA history to record 25 points, five rebounds, five assists, and five made threes in a game. At 21 years and 62 days old, Podziemski falls behind LeBron James, Anthony Edwards, and Ja Morant on that list. 

That is some nice company to be associated with. When all three of those players reached those numbers in their early playoff careers, the writing was on the wall. They were going to be stars in this league. The same noise likely won’t be made for Podziemski, but he may be being overlooked. 

Podziemski’s Ceiling Down the Road

This was Podziemski’s fourth playoff game ever. He emphatically showed that not only does he belong as a starter in the league, but also that he can be a big contributor to a contending playoff team. At only 21 years old, he is starting to show that the sky may be the limit for what he can do. 

Podziemski proved in his rookie season that he has the intangibles. He led the league in drawn charges as a rookie and showed a basketball IQ and maturity that is rarely seen in players of his age. Additionally, he showed his ability to defend and rebound as a guard, something every NBA team could use. 

So what does Podziemski’s Game 4 performance say about his ceiling in the NBA? He certainly seemed like a star on Monday night. Although he may not have the athleticism of a young James, Edwards, or Morant, he already finds himself on a list with players of that caliber. If Podziemski continues to find consistency scoring (especially from three) like he did on Monday, Podziemski can become a star in this league. Learning from greats like Curry and Butler will certainly help his trajectory as well. The sky is officially the limit for the Warriors’ second-year guard. 

 

Photo credit: © Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

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