Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski is currently experiencing a challenging playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, facing heavy criticism due to his poor shooting performance. The young player from Santa Clara is under increased pressure with star guard Stephen Curry sidelined, and unfortunately, his struggles have culminated in a historic low for playoff shooting percentages.
In the first four games of the series, Podziemski has shot only 9-for-40, translating to a shooting percentage of 22.5%. According to reports, this marks the lowest shooting percentage for any player in a playoff series with at least 35 shot attempts since Pero Antic of the Atlanta Hawks recorded a dismal 16.7% back in 2014. His recent performances have seen him miss crucial scoring opportunities, including a particularly disappointing outing where he hit only 1-for-10 in Game 3 and followed it up with 3-for-14 in Game 4.
Despite these setbacks, it’s important to remember that Podziemski has flashed potential in the past. Earlier in the playoffs, he contributed significantly with a standout performance scoring 26 points in a game against the Houston Rockets. Furthermore, he concluded the regular season strongly, averaging 17.4 points in April with impressive shooting percentages.
Young players often experience fluctuations in their performance as they adapt to the demanding environment of the NBA, and Podziemski’s current slump is reminiscent of earlier in the season when he struggled to find his rhythm. For Podziemski to increase his impact on the game, it’s crucial for him to explore ways to contribute beyond scoring when his shot is not falling.
While Podziemski’s struggles are noteworthy, it’s important not to overlook the broader context of the Warriors’ struggles in the playoffs. As the team grapples with the urgency of making the most of their championship window, the burden doesn’t rest solely on the shoulders of the young guard alone. Veteran players on the team are also facing challenges, exemplified by Jimmy Butler III’s recent underwhelming performance.
The next opportunity for Podziemski to turn things around will be in Game 5 on May 13. The Warriors desperately need a remarkable performance from him to keep their playoff hopes alive, and a positive showing could reignite not only his confidence but also the team’s prospects in the ongoing series.