The Golden State Warriors fell to defeat against the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday (Dec. 30.) The loss keeps the Warriors outside of the playoff picture in the Western Conference with the franchise lingering in 11th after losing 17 of their 32 games so far. This season, part of the Warriors’ struggles has been based on a lack of on-court energy.
During his post-game press conference, rookie wing Brandin Podziemski discussed Golden State’s great locker room chemistry and how he wants it to begin translating to their on-court performances. Golden State’s togetherness was always a big part of the team’s identity throughout their decade-long dominance.
“I feel like you feel it on the bench, not when you’re out there,” Podziemski said. “I think everyone needs to bring it for everyone else. For us as a collective… we’ve kinda got to check our energy, each and every one of us, when we step foot into the locker room…Whatever’s going on, we’ve gotta channel that energy and focus on winning the game that night. Off the court, we’re the closest of friends, probably of any team. We do a lot of stuff together. So it’s just on the court, trying to find that balance.”
Podziemski has been part of the Warriors starting lineup in recent weeks. However, he was moved to the bench as part of a roster shuffle by Steve Kerr as the Warriors searched for balance and identity. He still made a significant impact, ending the game with 13 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal while shooting 62.5% from the field and 60% from 3-point range.
Podz explains why the Warriors have struggled to bring their off-the-court chemistry into games 👀 pic.twitter.com/hkNINd1SzP
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) December 31, 2023
Nevertheless, the Warriors need to find the connectivity that made them such a force throughout the roster’s prime. Their energy and hustle have been waning in recent months. If they want to turn their season around, they will need a sustained period of success, and that comes by playing as a unit and fighting for each other’s success.
