Gui Santos
Getty
Gui Santos of the Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors clinched a spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament after a win over the Brooklyn Nets, led by Gui Santos‘ career night. The Brazilian forward finished with 31 points, three rebounds and two steals, stepping up in a big way.
Santos was back in the starting lineup following Moses Moody‘s horrific knee injury on Tuesday against the Dallas Mavericks. Moody was diagnosed with a ruptured patellar tendon in his left knee. He’s set to undergo surgery later this week and will miss the remainder of the season.
With Jimmy Butler already out and Steph Curry still not cleared to play, the Warriors have no other choice. Players like Santos, Brandin Podziemski, De’Anthony Melton and Kristaps Porzingis have to perform at their best.
Santos did his damage in the second half, mainly in the third quarter. He scored 15 of his 31 points in the third, keeping the Warriors afloat. He added six points in the fourth quarter, with Porzingis and Draymond Green knocking down clutch free throws to give Golden State a 109-106 win.
Santos Comments on Career Night
Speaking on the NBC Sports Bay Area and California broadcast after the game, Santos reacted to his career night. He credited his teammates and the coaching staff for drawing plays for him.
“Man, I just feel like this game was a good game for me, in a matchup in a low post,” Santos said. “So, the whole coaching staff and the players were very competent on me. They were giving the ball in a low post for me to either go score or find them a good look. That was basically, everybody was just trying to find me, and that helps a lot me, score a little bit more, but most importantly, get the win for us.”
It has been a breakout season for the third-year man out of Brazil, especially after Butler suffered a torn ACL in his right knee. He’s averaging 14.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.3 steals since January 20. He’s shooting 51.7% from the field, including 34.8% from 3-point range.
The Warriors rewarded Santos’ breakout campaign with a three-year, $15 million extension last month. He has a player option for the 2027-28 NBA season.
Santos Makes History in Warriors Win
GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 05: Gui Santos #15 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after hitting a three pointer against the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center on February 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
For the first time since February 22, 2014, a Brazilian player scored 30 points or more in an NBA game. Santos is the first player since Nene to accomplish the feat. He’s also just the fourth Brazilian player in NBA history to have 30 or more points in a game.
Santos joined Nene, Anderson Varejao and Leandro Barbosa in the history books. His 31 points are the third-most for a Brazilian player, just behind Varejao’s 35 points and Barbosa’s 41 points.
The 23-year-old is the only player from Brazil in the league this season. Orlando Magic forward Tristan da Silva is of Brazilian descent, but he represents Germany internationally.