Inside The Warriors

Warriors Star Breaks Silence on Injury Return After Bucks Game

Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski returned after a five-game absence
Jan 4, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA;  Golden State Warriors guard Buddy Hield, guard Stephen Curry, and guard Brandin Podziemski celebrate after the Warriors scored against the Memphis Grizzlies in the fourth quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
Jan 4, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Buddy Hield, guard Stephen Curry, and guard Brandin Podziemski celebrate after the Warriors scored against the Memphis Grizzlies in the fourth quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images | David Gonzales-Imagn Images

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The Golden State Warriors have been one of the NBA's hottest teams since the All-Star break, but they haven't been fully healthy.

On Tuesday night against the Milwaukee Bucks, they became one step closer to finally competing at full strength. While the team missed Steph Curry due to resting his back, Brandin Podziemski returned after a five-game absence.

After the team's shocking win against the Milwaukee Bucks, Podziemski opened up about his return to the court. Even though he returned, Podziemski doesn't have full confidence in his defense after a back injury.

Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski (2)
Mar 4, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski (2) celebrates his three point shot against the New York Knicks during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

“I could tell I’m not 100% kind of defensively because it's like a nervous feeling when you come back from something with your back," Podziemski said. "Every movement you make kind of goes through your back."

Regardless of how cautious Podziemski is after his immediate return from injury, his teammate's ability to set him up on the court is something that can bring trust in his own game.

"Just being able to trust myself with different movements that I’m accustomed to making is something that I was trying to get," Podziemski said. "Teammates did a good job of setting me up for two open shots, I didn't have to move much.”

After defeating the Milwaukee Bucks, the Warriors have a string of games coming up to let Podziemski ease into things. Golden State won't face a team with a winning record until April 1 against the Memphis Grizzlies.

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Farbod Esnaashari
FARBOD ESNAASHARI

14-Year NBA Veteran covering multiple teams on Sports Illustrated. Throughout the years, Farbod has been featured on ESPN, Bleacher Report, Forbes, and various live television outlets.

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