Steph Curry may be sidelined for the Golden State Warriors as he continues to recover from his runner’s knee. However, on Sunday against the Denver Nuggets, he made sure to cheer for the team and help them in any way he can.
Sure enough, his presence had a big impact as the Warriors beat the Nikola Jokic-led Nuggets 128-117. In particular, Curry had a role in fueling guard Brandin Podziemski, who had a sensational performance in the win.
Podziemski finished with a near triple-double of 18 points, 15 rebounds and nine assists. The 22-year-old guard scored 15 points in the fourth quarter, during which he shot 6-of-6 from the field.
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Among the key highlights from Podziemski was his first shot in the fourth quarter, during which he drew a foul from Jonas Valanciunas while attacking the basket. He made the shot and completed the three-point play.
With under six minutes remaining, Podziemski also hit back-to-back shots. He gave the Warriors the 112-109 lead with a 3-pointer, and he added more with a floater in their next possession.
Podziemski spoiled a big night from Jokic, who recorded a monster triple-double of 35 points, 20 rebounds and 12 assists, as well as three steals and two blocks.
After the game, Podziemski was asked if Curry told him anything during the game, especially since the two-time MVP was seen particularly involved throughout the contest.
Podziemski proceeded to reveal what Curry said that “helped” push him to perform and deliver his huge fourth quarter.
“He just told me to be decisive,” Podziemski said of Curry. “Whatever I choose to do, he was like, ‘Shoot whatever shots you want to shoot. But just be decisive about doing it,’ and I think that helped. … He said, ‘Just be decisive in what you do, and whatever you do, we’ll live with it.'”
Podz on what Steph told him during the game:
“He just told me to be decisive. Whatever I choose to do, he was like, ‘Shoot whatever shots you want to shoot. But just be decisive about doing it,’ and I think that helped. He said, ‘Just be decisive in what you do, and whatever you… pic.twitter.com/voRdw0H6Jo— aly ✶ (@jinthirty) February 23, 2026
Podziemski’s 15 rebounds were also a career-high. Furthermore, according to StatMuse, he’s the first player to record an 18-15-9 stat line with at least three 3-pointers off the bench in a game.
With Curry set to miss at least three more games before being re-evaluated on March 1, Podziemski’s improved play will be beneficial for a Warriors team looking to compete for a playoff spot.
Sunday’s win helped the Warriors improve to 30-27 on the season, although they remain eighth in the Western Conference standings. They are two and a half games behind the No. 7 Phoenix Suns and four and a half behind the No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves.
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