In today’s Dub Hub:
- Steve Kerr says Brandin Podziemski’s struggles are a result of him ‘trying to do too much.’
- Jonathan Kuminga will participate in 5-on-5 scrimmage during practice, according to The Athletic’s Nick Friedell.
- NBA lists where each team stands during the final week of Group Play for the NBA Cup.
The Golden State Warriors beat the Utah Jazz handily on Monday night, 134–117. Although Golden State finished with a comfortable lead, things got tense early as a first-quarter defensive lapse led to an animated timeout from head coach Steve Kerr.
On the play in question, Brandin Podziemski lost track of Jazz guard Keyonte George, allowing an uncontested look to Utah’s second-leading scorer. Podziemski, who finished with six points in a season-low 18 minutes, didn’t play the second quarter as the Warriors blew the game open with a 41–20 run. Speaking to reporters after Tuesday’s practice, Kerr said the third-year guard’s recent struggles stem from “trying to do too much.”
Through 18 games, Podziemski is averaging 12.4 points on 43.8% shooting, including 37.9% from three and 77.8% at the free-throw line. He has been solid as the team’s secondary ball-handler behind Stephen Curry, but as Kerr notes, the Warriors don’t need more from Podziemski on most nights. The ambition is there, but he’s at his best when he leans into the role that complements the veteran core.
For more on this and other news around the NBA, here is our latest news round-up for Wednesday, November 26th:
Warriors News:
Warriors use practice to lean into game-plan discipline before Rockets showdown | NBC Sports Bay Area
So, the Warriors, on Tuesday, watched video of their 134-117 victory that was built on the corrective action taken over the final three quarters. They muted the Jazz in the second quarter, with a 41-20 advantage, and rode the momentum to a rout.
“What I saw as that first quarter went on was a lack of focus defensively, in terms of knowing the game plan, trying to take out George and Markkanen and really be focused on them,” Kerr said after video review and practice at Chase Center. “And we let George get four open 3s in the first quarter.”
Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga to join 5-on-5 scrimmage, return still unclear | The Athletic
Kerr, who has sounded frustrated in recent days while discussing the lack of clarity around Kuminga’s status, offered a positive update about the 23-year-old following Tuesday’s practice.
“He did three-on-three before practice,” Kerr said. “And that went well. And then he took part in all of practice. (Wednesday) he will scrimmage. He won’t play in the game (Wednesday), but he will take part in a five-on-five scrimmage (Wednesday) evening before our game, and that will give us a good gauge for where he is.”
Steph Curry discusses the thought process behind his shoe selection as a new sneaker free agent
NBA News:
Where each team stands during final week of Group Play | NBA
The Emirates NBA Cup has reached the final week of Group Play with 20 games left to determine the eight teams that will advance to the Knockout Rounds.
Get ready for the action Wednesday on ESPN, and a final 11-game Friday on Prime Video and League Pass.
Who will advance to the Knockout Rounds?
Eight spots are available. Six will go to the winners of each Group. The final two “wild card” spots will be the teams from each conference with the best records in Group Play games who finished second in their groups.
Jalen Suggs ejected after scuffle during Magic-76ers game
In case you missed it at Golden State of Mind:
How Jimmy Butler’s brand of isolation basketball fosters collectivism
While only 5.6% of the Warriors’ offensive possessions involve an isolation sequence — 18th in the league — it’s a noticeable uptick from a season ago, in which 5% of their possessions were isolations, 26th in the league. Meanwhile, post-up possessions also experienced a slight uptick: from 2.3% last season (22nd) to 3% this season (16th). Accommodating Butler and his brand of offense has certainly played a part behind those numbers, a decision that has proven to be an effective one based on efficiency metrics. In 128 combined isolation and post-up possessions involving Butler — including those that end in a teammate taking a shot (make or missed), free-throws, or turning the ball over — the Warriors are scoring 1.047 points per possession, per Synergy tracking.
Follow @unstoppablebaby on X for all the latest news on the Golden State Warriors.
