Warriors push past Jazz behind Schröder and Podziemski
Golden State Warriors guard Dennis Schröder (#71) drives to the basket ahead of Utah Jazz forward Brice Sensabaugh (#28) during the first quarter at Chase Center in San Francisco on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle
2025.01.28 – Dennis Schröder scored 23 points with five 3-pointers, Brandin Podziemski contributed 20 points, and the Golden State Warriors push past the Utah Jazz 114-103 on Tuesday night.
The Warriors lost starter Schröder early in the third quarter when he drove to the basket, landed awkwardly and grabbed his left knee under the basket. Schröder was helped into the tunnel adjacent to Golden State’s bench by vice president of player performance Rick Celebrini and director of medical services Drew Yoder.
When he rejoined his teammates on the bench, a bulky wrap covered his left shin and ankle. He checked back in toward the end of the quarter — and led the Warriors with 23 points. Said head coach Steve Kerr of Schröder: “One of the things that I love about him is that he’s an iron man. He’s there for you every night. We needed his scoring. We needed his leadership.”
Podziemski came off the bench to add 20 points, seven rebounds and six assists for the Warriors, who got 19 points from Andrew Wiggins, 15 points from Moses Moody and 29 assists on 36 baskets against nine turnovers.
“It was a definitely a good one,” Moody said. “Especially with coach harping on pace and playing fast. I think we did that. Executed it good. So, being able to apply what we’ve been working on is a good sign.”
Absent Stephen Curry, sitting out to rest his troublesome knees, Schröder and Podziemski were tasked with organizing Golden State’s attack. Schröder replaced Curry in the starting lineup and hunted his offense (8-for-20 shooting, 5-for-13 3-point shooting) without hesitation. Podziemski offered pace and tempo on the ball and spotted for jumpers when he didn’t have it.
2025.01.28 – Jazz vs. Warriors (NBA Video highlights)
Golden State Warriors guard Dennis Schröder (71) drives to the basket ahead of Utah Jazz forward Brice Sensabaugh (28) during the first quarter at Chase Center in San Francisco on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle
2025.01.28 – Jazz vs. Warriors (NBA Video highlights)
2025.01.28 – Jazz vs. Warriors (NBA Video highlights)
A 17-7 deficit became a 62-51 halftime lead the Warriors (23-23) wouldn’t relinquish despite 30 points from Utah’s Collin Sexton. Schröder checked out 3:19 into the third quarter and returned with 3:21 remaining.
“It looked like it was going to be worse than it looks like it is,” Moody said. “The way he approaches the game, the way he plays, the way it feels when he’s on the floor, you definitely feel his presence.”
An 11-2 fourth-quarter run by Utah (10-35) — sans standout forward Lauri Markkanen, starting center Walker Kessler and scoring sixth man Jordan Clarkson among others — was answered with a top-of-the key 3-pointer from Moody, who keyed a 14-4 game-ending run.
“On most nights, I’d take our team with minimal turnovers against anybody just because of the way we’re able to shoot the ball. If we’re able to get a shot up close to 90, 95% of our possessions then you’ve got to feel good about that,” Podziemski said.
2025.01.28 – Jazz vs. Warriors (NBC Sports Post Game)
Golden State Warriors’ Brandin Podziemski (#2) center pass the ball during 1st quarter against Utah Jazz during NBA game at Chase Center in San Francisco on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle
2025.01.28 – Jazz vs. Warriors (NBC Sports Post Game)
2025.01.28 – Jazz vs. Warriors (NBC Sports Post Game)
When Curry returns to Golden State’s lineup — Kerr said pregame he was hopeful he would play Wednesday against the Oklahoma City Thunder — Schröder is bound again for the bench, where he paired the previous two games with Podziemski.
Schröder’s scoring output Tuesday was the highest it has been since he was traded to Golden State in December.
Shortly before halftime, Podziemski scored five straight points to help the Warriors to a 62-51 lead at the break.
Podziemski is averaging 15.7 points (53.6% shooting, 42.9% 3-point shooting), 4.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists in three games since returning from a 12-game absence.
They’re depended upon to spell and support Curry and in the backcourt.
“A lot of tonight, he kind of told me, Dennis did, ‘We’ve got to do that same stuff when Steph is playing,’” Podziemski said. “And he’s right. I think everybody’s confidence level should raise when Steph is out there because of the backbone it kind of gives us, but if me and Dennis are coming off the bench, I think it’s a big energy spark for us.
“Regardless of who we’re playing, we’ve got to bring that same mentality every night,” he said.
Golden State took care of the ball, committing just nine turnovers.
2025.01.28 – Jazz vs. Warriors (Krueger & Crew Post Game)
Golden State Warriors’ Andrew Wiggins keeps the ball away from Utah Jazz’ Collin Sexton in 1st quarter during NBA game at Chase Center in San Francisco on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle
2025.01.28 – Jazz vs. Warriors (Krueger & Crew Post Game)
2025.01.28 – Jazz vs. Warriors (Krueger & Crew Post Game)
The Warriors won despite shooting 39.1%. They had lost their last 21 games in which they shot worse than 40%. … Moody has scored in double figures in seven straight games, a career-long streak.
Coach Kerr expected Curry to play Wednesday against the Thunder. The two-time MVP came in early for his warmup and the medical staff determined he needed the break as a precaution given the tendinitis he has dealt with in both knees most of the season.
INJURIES
Warriors: F Draymond Green (strained left calf) missed his fifth straight game but will take part in portions of team practices this week, while F Jonathan Kuminga will be re-evaluated again in two weeks as he begins some individual work while recovering from a sprained right ankle that has kept him out the last 12 games.
UP NEXT
Utah: Returns home to host Minnesota on Thursday night.
Warriors: With back-to-back against Oklahoma City on Wednesday. (GSW ROSTER)
Related – See : Lakers hold off Warriors on Christmas Day game
Related – See below: 2022 Warriors NBA Finals Champions
Read more at: Golden State Warriors Media Services / More AP NBA
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2022 Warriors NBA Finals Champions