By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Golden State Warriors are peaking at the right time with only eight games remaining before the NBA Playoffs begin.
After a shaky NBA regular season start, Golden State has completely turned things around and will have the chance to enter the top 5 of the Western Conference following their 148-106 decimation of the San Antonio Spurs on March 31, 2025.
The former NBA champs are currently sitting at the sixth spot in the West with a win-loss record of 43-31, only a win away from equalizing the fifth-seeded Memphis Grizzlies.
Golden State has won four of its past six games, including dubs against the Spurs, Pelicans, Toronto, and Milwaukee. On the other hand, the Grizzlies dropped its second loss in a row against the Lakers on March 30, 2025.
The Warriors meant pure business in their road trip against San Antonio after decimating the banged-up squad by 42 points, courtesy of their well-oiled offensive artillery led by Brandin Podziemski’s huge night.
Known for his intangibles and versatility in defending all positions, the solid guard flaunted his scoring arsenal against the Spurs and top-scored the Warriors with 27 points built from seven drained three-pointers.
Podziemski capped off the win with an efficient 9/14 shooting from the field while also tallying six rebounds, five assists, and a steal.
Golden State rewarded their hardworking guard with tons of swing passes off their crisp motion offense, knocking down a barrage of wide-open treys from the elbow and the left corner.
The Warriors attacked San Antonio’s set defense with Stephen Curry’s aggressive drive to the cup which created more options. Podziemski was the benefactor of his great court vision that set the tone during their dominant 44-27 first-quarter rampage.
Golden State wasn’t done doing damage and ballooned their lead after the second period to as much as 24 points, and entered the second half with the much-needed momentum.
The Spurs finally cashed in some three-pointers at the start of the third, but Golden State’s sizzling- hot offense proved to be too much after establishing their biggest lead of the ball game at 47 points.
San Antonio’s coaching staff had seen enough and decided to wave the white flag in the final canto, rewarding the Warriors with another cruising win that boosted their chances of avoiding the NBA Play-In stage.
Backstopping Podziemski’s stellar outing were Moses Moody and Buddy Hield, who each delivered 20 and 19 markers, respectively.
Despite only firing 13 points, Jimmy Butler still played his role as the team’s stabilizer with an all-around performance of eight assists, four steals, and three rebounds.
The Warriors will have a day of rest before taking on the Grizzlies in a highly-anticipated playoff standing duel on April 2, 2025.
