In a high-stakes preseason matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers, Warriors rookie Brandin Podziemski proved why he’s quickly becoming a fan favorite despite the team’s 126-116 loss. With key players like Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler sidelined, Podziemski stepped up and delivered a remarkable performance that caught everyone’s attention.

Despite being short-handed, the Warriors showcased their depth and resilience. Podziemski was a standout, scoring 23 points in just 26 minutes with an impressive 10-of-16 shooting accuracy. His versatility was on full display as he also contributed five rebounds and eight assists, demonstrating his potential as a dynamic playmaker.

Coach Steve Kerr rolled out an unconventional starting lineup featuring Podziemski, Buddy Hield, Jonathan Kuminga, Draymond Green, and Quinten Post. This lineup provided a glimpse into the team’s adaptability and youth movement, with younger players getting crucial game experience.

Jonathan Kuminga also had moments of brilliance mixed with typical rookie inconsistency. He scored 13 points, showing his potential to be a key offensive weapon when primary scorers are unavailable. However, his performance was marked by both impressive plays and notable mistakes, including five turnovers.

The Warriors’ three-point shooting was particularly challenging, with the team shooting a mere 32.6% compared to the Lakers’ 44.4%. Podziemski, Post, and LJ Cryer were the only players who managed to consistently connect from beyond the arc.

While the loss breaks the Warriors’ eight-game preseason winning streak, the performance of young talents like Podziemski offers an exciting preview of the team’s future. As the roster continues to evolve and integrate new talent, fans can look forward to seeing how these developing players will shape the Warriors’ upcoming season.