Kristaps Porzingis and Brandin Podziemski
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Kristaps Porzingis and Brandin Podziemski of the Golden State Warriors.
The Golden State Warriors came up short against the Denver Nuggets on Sunday despite solid performances from Brandin Podziemski and Kristaps Porzingis.
Podziemski had 23 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals in Golden State’s 113-96 loss in Denver. Porzingis finished with 23 points, three rebounds and two assists. He was also a perfect 5-for-5 from beyond the arc, recording his 1,000th career 3-point shot.
Porzingis became just the 185th player in NBA history to accomplish the feat.
The loss snapped the Warriors’ three-game winning streak. They just couldn’t stop the Nuggets in the second half, with Nikola Jokic dominating with 25 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists.
Podziemski Opens Up About Chemistry With Porzingis
Speaking to reporters after the game, Podziemski was asked about what it’s like playing with Porzingis on a more consistent basis. The Latvian big man arrived at the Bay Area injured, but he has since played in nine of their last 11 games. He’s still not cleared to play in back-to-back games.
“Every game is growing for us,” Podziemski said. “He’s playing really well, high level. We’re understanding what his tendencies are, what he likes, what he doesn’t. So each game that we’re playing, he’s getting better and better, which is a good sign for not only the rest of this year, but hopefully next year.”
Porzingis will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. The Warriors acquired him from the Atlanta Hawks at the trade deadline in exchange for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield.
With the way the Warriors handled Kuminga’s situation over the past year, it would be hard to see them letting Porzingis walk away for free this summer.
Warriors Likely To Bring Back Porzingis
Warriors Kristaps Porzingis free agency contract decision
GettySAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 25: Kristaps Porzingis #7 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during a break in play against the Brooklyn Nets during the first half at Chase Center on March 25, 2026 in San Francisco, California.
On the latest episode of the Warriors Plus Minus podcast, Marcus Thompson expects the Warriors to try and re-sign Porzingis this offseason. His health is going to be a concern, but he has played well when he’s on the floor for Golden State.
“Can he stay healthy?” Thompson said, via HoopsHype. “And I absolutely, as we’re sitting here right now, believe that Porzingis and the Warriors will work something out where we will see him again next season in a Warriors jersey.”
With Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody likely out for the majority of next season and Steph Curry‘s lingering knee issue, the Warriors will need Porzingis to recapture his All-Star form.
Porzingis Praises Warriors’ Trainer
Warriors Kristaps Porzingis injury update vs Celtics
GettyWASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 16: Kristaps Porzingis #7 and De’Anthony Melton #8 of the Golden State Warriors celebrate in the first quarter against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on March 16, 2026 in Washington, DC.
Once nicknamed The Unicorn, Porzingis had all the potential in the world to dominate the NBA. However, injuries slowed him down, and his durability continues to be in question entering free agency.
Speaking to the media after Thursday’s practice, Porzingis had nothing but praise for the Warriors’ director of sports medicine and performance, Rick Celebrini.
“Rick’s amazing,” Porzingis said, via Monte Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area. “Rick is the goat, man. Really. I’m very happy with these guys, and I’m sure they will keep me on the same path.”
With Porzingis prioritizing his health, Celebrini will likely play a role in helping him decide whether to stay in Golden State or not.