The Golden State Warriors had to dive deep into their resolve to claw out a win tonight. They were shorthanded going into the fourth quarter. Only a narrow lead kept them one foot ahead of their Canadian rivals. But with Stephen Curry out, some invaluable contributions helped close out the game. Jimmy Butler notched up a triple-double, Green stayed hot to start the game and Kuminga had an effective outing.

Moreover, Brandin Podziemski’s stellar recovery after a poor start keeps on living. It’s only been two games since he returned after a lower back sprain. The sophomore guard has been instrumental in both of those wins. Tonight, he added 15 points making three triples along the way.

However, he still isn’t flowing as freely as he would want to. As Podz stated, “Like I said last game everything you do on the basketball court goes through your back,”. So he is still not fully trusting that he can subject his back to high stress. Having played two games has altered his hesitancy a little bit.

“I know physically I am a 100% but the mental hurdle of being like you can move how you want to move still getting there. So hopefully good session tomorrow and on Saturday I am kinda back to trusting it 100%,” the 22-year-old dynamic guard said after the game.

Because it was a minor ailment, Podziemski hasn’t had to restrict himself too much. Although he did follow a minutes restriction in his first game back against the Bucks, tonight Steve Kerr didn’t mind using him extensively. Brandin Podziemski played 35 minutes, his sixth-highest in a game this season.

And it comes at the right time. With Curry down, it’s necessary for Kerr to have his reinforcements ready.

Brandin Podziemski doesn’t have space or worry

None of the Warriors are happy with Stephen Curry injuring his back for which he took a rest against the Bucks. It was misfortune at its worst. Thankfully, there doesn’t seem to be any major damage. Just because it is close to the playoffs though, it heightens the need for continuity in order to stay in rhythm.

But Stephen Curry is well-versed in preparing for the playoffs. The injury shouldn’t affect him greatly. The same though can’t be said about Podziemski.

The sophomore guard did play heavy minutes today. But as he revealed, there are still some concerns he has about his back. Well, he may have to overcome those soon. Curry is likely to rest against the Hawks. Bradin Podziemski has already spoken about having a ‘next man up’ mentality in the absence of Curry.

Well, he is the next man now.

With Curry not playing, Podziemski has some important responsibilities that fall on his shoulders. Naturally, he is averaging close to five assists in the eight games he has played without Curry. Playmaking will surely be one of the tasks Podziemski has on his plate. Furthermore, with his finding his scoring touch over the last month, he could become the mainstay if he has the hot hand.

Nonetheless, without Curry, the workload will be greater. Hence, the likely outcome is the little doubt that exists within Podziemski’s mind about his back will disappear.