Warriors’ Podziemski Returns, Butler Shines in Win Over Bucks

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — Brandin Podziemski returned from a five-game absence due to a minor back strain, stepping into a starting role for the Golden State Warriors in their 104-93 victory against the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night at Chase Center.

With star guard Steph Curry resting on the second night of a back-to-back, Podziemski was crucial in handling playmaking duties alongside Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, Moses Moody, and Quinten Post. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr noted Curry has been dealing with fatigue and a mild back injury, thus allowing Podziemski, a second-year guard, the opportunity to shine.

“There was a really good rhythm to the game for him the last couple of weeks before he got hurt,” Kerr said of Podziemski’s earlier performances. Despite a soft restriction of about 25 minutes on Podziemski, he played an effective 29 minutes, scoring 17 points and hitting two crucial three-pointers in the first quarter.

Before the injury affected his play, Podziemski had averaged 14.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in his last eight starts, often leading the Warriors in plus-minus ratings. Kerr confirmed that with Podziemski back and Curry expected to return for the next game against the Toronto Raptors, the Warriors are at nearly full strength.

Meanwhile, Butler stepped up in Curry’s absence, scoring 24 points while dishing out 10 assists and grabbing eight rebounds. The 35-year-old veteran asserted himself particularly in the second half, helping his team stave off a resilient Milwaukee squad that cut a once 14-point lead down to just one.

The Warriors established an early lead, going up 12-3, aided by strong performances from players like Quinten Post, who scored 14 points, and Podziemski. The team ended the first quarter with a narrow 32-27 lead.

The defense was integral to the Warriors’ first-half success. The Warriors led by 14 at halftime, forcing the Bucks’ key players Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard into tough shots, limiting them to a combined 5-for-17 from the field.

However, the Bucks responded in the third quarter with a 16-4 run, led by Kyle Kuzma, who finished with 22 points. Following a series of events including a flagrant foul called on Jonathan Kuminga, the game tightened significantly.

In a pivotal moment, with Milwaukee up 76-75 heading into the fourth quarter, Butler was fouled on a three-point attempt and converted all three free throws, flipping the momentum back in favor of the Warriors.

The final quarter saw Butler scoring five quick points to push the lead, but the Bucks continued to threaten. With just under four minutes left, Antetokounmpo cut Golden State’s lead to 96-93. However, back-to-back three-pointers from Podziemski sealed the win for the Warriors.

The Warriors have a chance to end their seven-game homestand positively with a matchup against Toronto on Thursday, where Curry is expected to return to the lineup.