Podziemski's Fourth-Quarter Explosion Powers Warriors Past Nuggets
In a thrilling NBA showdown, Brandin Podziemski delivered a clutch performance, scoring 12 of his 18 points in the final five minutes to lead the Golden State Warriors to a 128-117 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Sunday night. The game, which tipped off on Monday, February 23, 2026, Philippine time, saw the Warriors snap a two-game losing streak despite being without several key players.
Warriors Overcome Absences with Team Effort
Golden State faced significant challenges, missing Stephen Curry due to a knee injury, Kristaps Porzingis from illness, and Jimmy Butler with a torn right ACL. Draymond Green was also a late scratch because of back issues. However, the team rallied behind Podziemski, who shot 7-for-16 from the field and added 15 rebounds and nine assists. Al Horford was instrumental as well, knocking down six three-pointers for 22 points and seven assists.
Supporting contributions came from Moses Moody with 23 points and seven rebounds, and De’Anthony Melton chipping in 20 points. The Warriors closed the game on a decisive 19-8 run, with Podziemski sparking the surge through two three-pointers and a put-back basket, while Horford's sixth three-pointer energized the Chase Center crowd.
Jokic's Triple-Double Not Enough for Nuggets
Despite a stellar performance from Nikola Jokic, who recorded 25 points, 20 rebounds, and 12 assists, the Nuggets could not secure the win. This marked Jokic's fifth triple-double in seven games, his 19th of the season, and the 183rd of his illustrious career. Jamal Murray added 21 points, Christian Braun had 18, and Bruce Brown finished with 12.
Denver, coming off a 54-point victory over Portland on Friday, never led in the first half. They rallied after the break, but the Warriors' late-game execution proved too much. Horford set the tone early, scoring 11 points in the opening quarter, including two three-pointers, helping Golden State stretch its lead to 76-67 late in the second quarter.
Other NBA Action Highlights
In other games across the league, the Orlando Magic edged the Los Angeles Clippers 111-109. Desmond Bane led Orlando with 36 points, while Paolo Banchero added 16 points and eight assists. The Magic improved to 5-2 since February 5. For the Clippers, Kawhi Leonard scored 37 points despite an ankle injury, but Bennedict Mathurin missed a potential game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer.
The Dallas Mavericks snapped a 10-game losing streak with a 134-130 win over the Indiana Pacers. Khris Middleton scored 25 points, and P.J. Washington added 23 to lead six Dallas players in double figures. Pascal Siakam returned from a three-game absence to lead Indiana with 30 points and eight rebounds, but the Pacers dropped to 0-3 since the All-Star break.
Additional results included: Oklahoma City Thunder defeating Cleveland Cavaliers 121-113, Toronto Raptors routing Milwaukee Bucks 122-94, Atlanta Hawks beating Brooklyn Nets 115-104, Charlotte Hornets topping Washington Wizards 129-112, Boston Celtics downing Los Angeles Lakers 111-89, Philadelphia 76ers winning 135-108 at Minnesota Timberwolves, Portland Trail Blazers prevailing 92-77 at Phoenix Suns, and New York Knicks defeating Chicago Bulls 105-99.
