“What we need is what you saw tonight. The energy, the passing, the connecting. Long rebounds, loose balls” said Steve Kerr regarding Brandin Podziemski after the recent Warriors-Jazz matchup. After missing 12 consecutive matchups due to his abdomen ailment, what was needed from the backup shooting guard was an intensity bump. Podziemski delivered just that by scoring 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists to assist the Warriors in a much-needed win. For the head coach, this was a sign that receiving the break may have helped in more than just ailment treatment.

Steve Kerr went into detail about Brandin Podziemski during the post-game presser. When asked if the time off contributed to the player’s performance improvement, Kerr answered in the affirmative. He added to that response by stating, “Brandin looks really strong and sharp and determined. I thought he was fantastic tonight. It’s exciting to see. I mean this is, you know, what he expected right from the start (of) this season, and obviously the things started a little slowly for him, but he’s really looking like himself now. And I think that time off did help.”

It was no secret that, on an individual level, Brandin Podziemski’s performance was going through a downward spiral. After averaging 10.2 points in October, the shooting guard ended up averaging 6.8 points in November. The numbers did not improve by much in December.

However, in his last 3 games, Podziemski’s performance allowed him to average 15.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists. His shooting improved too, as he averaged 5.0-9.3 (53.6%) field goals, 3.0-7.0 (42.9%) three-pointers, and 2.7-2.7 (100%) free throws.

During the early part of the season, Brandin Podziemski indicated that a mental aspect was affecting his game. If he had missed 44 of his first 54 3-point attempts, then there was a reason behind it. In an interview with the New York Times back in late November, the 21-year-old addressed the struggle by stating “I think I’ve let the mental piece of it get to me a little bit… Early on, when I was struggling, the first five, 10 games, I thought it was more physical”.  Later, he attributed his inner demon to the need for “always wanting more and always wanting to achieve more.”

Whether that mental part of it is solved or not, we cannot say for certain. However, if the player’s recent performance was any indication, it is that there is some improvement.

“I think so” said Kerr when asked if Podziemski had stopped putting some mental pressure on him. “He just…. I haven’t talked to him about it, but I do think that since he’s been back, he just looks more sure of himself for whatever reason.”

Sometimes, all one needs is a break from the routine to reminisce on how to improve that very same routine. However, as it turns out, Podziemski may have received some additional help from a new teammate and some friendly conversation.

Brandin Podziemski received helpful advice from Dennis Schroder during 2-hour drive: “That bonded us closer”

The NBC Sports crew interviewed Brandin Podziemski in the aftermath of the Warriors’ 114-103 win. During the segment, they asked the player about a noticeable improvement in the chemistry between him and Dennis Schroder. Podziemski attributed this to a car ride that the duo had taken. The same took place after the Warriors’ matchup against the Sacramento Kings back in early January. Schroder needed a ride home, and Podziemski obliged. That one ride ended up allowing the duo to finally share some heart-to-heart advice about their sport.

“We got to talk for, you know, an hour and a half, 2 hours and just, just pouring into each other some knowledge,” said Podziemski. “And he gave me a lot of advice cuz he’s been through a lot of things. I think that bonded us closer. And so, I think I credit a lot of that to that because obviously, everybody sees us play, but to be able to have an hour and a half car ride with Dennis and just share information with each other, learn about each other, I think it’s helped us.”

Whether it was Schroder’s advice or growth through self-reflection, the 21-year-old shooting guard is now back to making waves. With the Warriors currently holding a 23-23 win record, an increase in intensity by Brandin Podziemski is much needed during the upcoming games.