Warriors bounced back in style, proving their depth even without their biggest star. One young player, once struggling, has now turned things around in a major way. His impact on the court—and in the locker room—has everyone talking. The Golden State Warriors returned to winning ways on Tuesday sweeping over the Utah Jazz, 114-103. What’s more interesting is the fact that the Dubs did this without the two-time MVP, Stephen Curry on the court. In his absence, second-year guard Brandin Podziemski stepped up big time! Logging in 20 points, 7 rebounds, and six assists. This was exactly the turnaround the Warriors’ point guard was waiting for. Podziemski struggled massively during the start of the 2024-25 campaign.

Moreover, he shot just 36.7 percent from the field in October and 38.6 percent in November. Although the 21-year-old did show some improvement in December, that was soon shut down after he sustained a right abdominal injury. This kept him out for a whopping 12 straight games, further adding to the youngster’s woes! However, since making his return to the hardwood in 2025, Podziemski seems to have left behind his shooting woes. He’s averaged 15.7 points while shooting 53.6 percent from the field in the three games he’s played.

After the game, Podziemski addressed the media talking about his injury and what it taught him. “You feel and you miss out on the joy of playing and so, I really recognized that of not being able to play and it was out of my control. You realize the joy you kind of have for the game. So, I learned a lot about myself during that time period and um got to see the game through a different lens um while the other guys were playing.” Podziemski said. He suggested that he learned a lot and got even closer to the game. Well, that seems to be the case given the guard’s recent performances as he seems to have found his footing once again.

These performances have further put to rest all the trade talks surrounding the 21-year-old. Podziemski has been subjected to several trade moves over the past couple of months, from the Warriors being linked to Jimmy Butler or them trying to acquire a big man. However, Podziemski has assured that he’s a valuable part of the Dubs and that his services will be required as they continue to challenge for a playoff spot. However, despite Podiziemski’s resurgence teammate Kevon Looney wasn’t impressed by the point guard’s one other aspect of the game. Let’s know more.

Kevon Looney has one complaint from Brandin Podziemski despite his stellar performance vs the Jazz

While everyone has been impressed by the young point guard’s performance on Tuesday. Podziemski’s teammate Kevon Looney had something to say about the 21-year-old’s leadership! Looney was asked about Podziemski taking up the leadership role in the absence of senior players such as Curry. To which he responded, “BP is a talkative guy, uh I don’t know what word I would use he can be a-hole sometimes,” Looney stated.

The forward, suggested that Podziemski tends to talk a lot and further that it can be for the worse sometimes. However, Looney further stated that it’s just Podziemski’s personality. “You want that as your point guard he and Dennis are like that. They know how to push you guys’ buttons they know how to get under the guy’s skin uh and you need that toughness out there, especially you going to be uh know he, not the biggest guy you got to have an edge to you to be good in this league.” Looney said.

Looney came clear with his statement saying point guards like Podziemski and Dennis Schroder need to be like that. Moreover, it’s what makes them have an edge over the opponent. This goes to show how much Podiziemski has learned in the time he’s missed due to his injury. Further, improved not only his game but learning how to push his teammates and make the best of them. Rest assured we’ll be seeing much more of Podziemski as the season unfolds.