The Golden State Warriors overcame significant adversity and a strong performance from Nikola Jokić to defeat the Denver Nuggets 128-117 on Sunday, fueled by a sensational fourth-quarter surge from guard Brandin Podziemski.

Fourth-Quarter Firepower

Podziemski scored 12 of his 18 points in the final five minutes, igniting a Warriors comeback when they trailed by six points entering the fourth quarter. He finished the game shooting 7 of 16 from the field, adding 15 rebounds and nine assists.

NBC Bay Area Podziemski couldn’t buy a bucket Sunday through the first three quarters. Then, quite literally, he couldn’t miss in the fourth quarter.

His late-game heroics included a variety of shots – tip shots, layups, floaters, jumpers, and two crucial three-pointers – each more critical than the last.

Finding the “Flow State”

Podziemski described a shift in perception as he found his rhythm in the fourth quarter.

Brandin Podziemski Just everything feels unhurried motion. I reckon those last two threes that I took, everything felt so slow. Really, just the last three jump shots I had felt really slow, in slow motion. The goal is to always find that. The great players do. That’s really what it felt like.

He entered the final period with just three points on 1-of-10 shooting, but finished with a game-high plus-19.

Short-Handed Victory

The Warriors secured the victory despite being without key players including Stephen Curry, Kristaps Porziņģis, Jimmy Butler, and a late scratch in Draymond Green. Moses Moody contributed 23 points and seven rebounds, although DeAnthony Melton added 20 points.

Despite a dominant performance from Denver’s Nikola Jokić, who recorded a 25-point, 20-rebound, 12-assist triple-double, the Nuggets were unable to contain Podziemski’s late surge.

Kerr’s Assessment

Warriors coach Steve Kerr emphasized the importance of Podziemski’s balanced approach and decision-making.

Steve Kerr When he moves the ball and then gets it back, it’s totally different. The defense is closing out. He can use that leverage to receive past people, make a pass, score a layup. He’s a really unique player — but he’s still finding his way.

FAQ

• How many points did Brandin Podziemski score in the fourth quarter? He scored 15 points in the fourth quarter.
• Who was the leading scorer for the Denver Nuggets? Nikola Jokić led the Nuggets with 25 points.
• Which Warriors players were absent from the game? Stephen Curry, Kristaps Porziņģis, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green were unavailable.