San Francisco – The Warriors continue to shine in back-to-back games, securing another victory over the Pelicans, 104-89. This time, it was Draymond Green who stole the show, using his veteran defensive skills to disrupt New Orleans throughout the second half.
“He’s still one of the best defenders in the world that’s for sure,” Kerr said on Green. “The way he battled out there but also the way he led, his energy, talking to the team at timeouts, at halftime. He was fantastic. He just made it hard on him, seven free throws for Zion that’s a good number for us.
Draymond has a unique ability to be physical without fouling. He’s so smart, he knows the angles, he understands how to use his strength, and his long arms to make people have to shoot over him. He’s an incredible shot challenger.”
Green finished with 5 blocks, 14 points, and 6 assists. It was another night of balanced scoring, with six players reaching double digits: Buddy Hield led with 21 points, Jonathan Kuminga added 16, Trayce Jackson-Davis contributed 15, and Brandin Podziemski chipped in 13.
This season, the Warriors’ revamped lineup has exceeded expectations, staying undefeated in preseason and losing just one game so far. Even without two of their star players, Golden State continues to dominate on both ends of the court. The additions of Hield, Kyle Anderson, and Lindy Waters III have proven to be impactful.
One impressive aspect of Golden State’s game is their ability to match and maintain a high tempo. Stephen Curry is not just a three-point shooter; his incredible speed on the floor exhausts many opponents. Playing alongside him is a blessing for his teammates, as chasing him around the court can quickly wear out the opposition.
“I mean two guys who shoot it like that to space the floor and also the movement,” Kerr said pregame on Hield and Waters III. “Buddy is probably our best transition sprinter, so he gets out, gets down the floor really quickly. Then he’s so good with the hit-and-hand-back game, coming off pin-downs. You get two of those guys at the same time; it’s a lot for the defense. Both guys have been great, but last night, it was fun to see them play.”
Tonight marked the conclusion of the Warrior’s first of 14 back-to-back sets on the season. Golden State held their opponent to 99-or-fewer points for the second time this season (2-0 in those games). Last season, the Warriors were 9-0 when holding their opponent under 100 points.
The Warriors have dished out 30-plus assists in all four victories this season. Last season, Golden State went 27-9 in games in which the team tallied 30-plus assists.
WARRIORS EXERCISE CONTRACT OPTION ON BRANDIN PODZIEMSKI
SAN FRANCISCO – The Golden State Warriors have exercised the third-year contract option on guard Brandin Podziemski, it was announced today.
Podziemski, 21, is averaging 9.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 27.0 minutes through four games this season. He saw action in 74 games (28 starts) during his rookie campaign, averaging 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 26.6 minutes per contest. The Santa Clara product was named to the 2023-24 NBA All-Rookie First Team, becoming the 19th player in franchise history to earn All-Rookie First Team Honors. Podziemski led the NBA with 38 charges drawn. Among rookies, the 6’4” guard ranked fifth in assists (3.7), sixth in rebounding (5.8), 10th in scoring (9.2), 10th in steals (0.8), eighth in minutes (25.7) and third in 3-point field goal percentage (38.5). Additionally, Podziemski recorded 17 games with at least 10 points, five rebounds and five assists, the second-most such games among rookies behind San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama (23). Podziemski owns career averages of 9.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 26.6 minutes through 78 games (29 starts).
Under the terms of the NBA’s current collective bargaining agreement, the first two years of a first-round draft pick’s contract are guaranteed, while the third and fourth year of the contract are the team’s option.
UP NEXT: The Warriors travel to Houston to face the Rockets on Saturday, November 2 (5 p.m. PST), in the first game of a five-game road trip.
Photo by GSW/Twitter
