Warriors Overcome Jazz 114-103 as Podziemski Shines in Curry’s Absence

SAN FRANCISCO — Brandin Podziemski stepped up in Stephen Curry‘s absence, scoring 20 points off the bench to lead the Golden State Warriors to a 114-103 victory over the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night at Chase Center. The win snapped a two-game skid for the Warriors, while the Jazz extended their losing streak to seven games.

Podziemski, who turns 22 next month, provided a spark with his energy and playmaking, adding seven rebounds and six assists in 33 minutes. Dennis Schröder led the Warriors with 23 points, while Kevon Looney grabbed 11 rebounds. Utah’s Lauri Markkanen matched his season high with 30 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Golden State’s balanced attack.

Curry sat out to rest his knees, a precautionary move as he battles tendinitis. Warriors coach Steve Kerr said the two-time MVP is expected to play Wednesday against the Oklahoma City Thunder. “He came in early for his warmup, and the medical staff determined he needed the break,” Kerr said.

Golden State capitalized on Utah’s turnovers, scoring 26 points off 19 Jazz miscues. Podziemski’s fingerprints were all over a pivotal 20-4 run spanning the first and second quarters, during which he either scored or assisted on 14 points. “Brandin looks really strong and sharp and determined,” Kerr said. “He was fantastic tonight.”

Utah, missing four of its top six scorers, struggled to keep pace. The Jazz have now lost nine straight games at Chase Center, dating back to Feb. 9, 2022. “We need to find a way to break this cycle,” Markkanen said. “It’s frustrating, but we have to keep working.”

The Warriors improved to 27-19, while the Jazz fell to 24-23. Golden State will host Oklahoma City on Wednesday, while Utah returns home to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday.