Warriors Lose 110-117 to Timberwolves: Blowout Disguised as a Close Game — Podziemski Sets Historic Lows, Kerr Criticized, Kuminga a Potential Scapegoat

The Golden State Warriors fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves 110-117, but the final 7-point margin was misleading — the game was effectively over early, as Steve Kerr waived the white flag and subbed in the third unit long before the final buzzer. This marked the Warriors’ third straight loss, leaving them down 1-3 in the series and nearly extinguishing any hope of a comeback.

Brandin Podziemski, who started in place of Steph Curry at point guard, left fans "in despair." In 33 minutes, he shot 3-of-14 from the field and 0-of-4 from three, finishing with 11 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, and 4 steals. His shooting percentage was a dismal 21.4%, with a true shooting percentage of 33.1% and a plus-minus of -9.

Fans were reminded of Kerr’s earlier praise:

“Brandin is playing well. He’s not a scorer. He organizes, defends, screens, draws offensive fouls — he’s doing great.”

But in this series, Podziemski has shot 9-of-40 from the field and 3-of-17 from three — a 22.5% FG and 17.6% 3P, which raises serious questions, even for a non-scorer.

Podziemski has now recorded the lowest shooting percentage (22.5%) in a 4-game playoff series (min. 35 FGA) since Pero Antić of the 2014 Atlanta Hawks (16.7%).

Additionally, he’s the first player since Trevor Ariza on May 22, 2018 to shoot 9-of-40 over four playoff games, tying for the worst 4-game stretch in the past 50 years — a record not seen in 2,548 days.

American Fans’ Reactions to Podziemski and Kerr:

1. "Podziemski might be one of the worst NBA players I’ve ever seen."

2. "Bro, can you imagine anyone trusting someone the way Kerr trusts Podziemski? I haven’t seen him make a single open jumper in two games. It’s terrifying."

3. "Podziemski is worse than Poole. I’m done believing in him."

4. "How did Podziemski fool Kerr and the Warriors front office into thinking he could play? How did he make them believe he had talent?"

Even Warriors media joined in:

“If Kerr trusted Moody and Kuminga the way he trusts Podziemski — gave them confidence, respect, and consistent minutes — the Warriors could be in a very different place right now.”

5. "Podziemski has been awful. Why does Kerr still trust him?"

6. 

Meanwhile, Jonathan Kuminga, who was reinserted into the rotation this series, is averaging 19.5 points, shooting 57.4% from the field and 50% from three.