In the glittering world of NBA preseason drama, Brandin Podziemski just became the Bay Area’s newest basketball heartthrob. During Sunday night’s Warriors vs. Lakers clash, the rookie transformed a potential blowout into a nail-biting spectacle, proving he’s more than just another fresh face on the court.

The Rookie’s Moment

With key players like Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler sidelined, Podziemski stepped up like a Silicon Valley startup disrupting the tech scene. In just 26 minutes, he scored a jaw-dropping 23 points, snagged five rebounds, and dished out eight assists - all while maintaining a cool plus-6 rating.

Kuminga’s Rollercoaster Performance

Jonathan Kuminga’s night was a tech startup pitch - moments of brilliance mixed with occasional stumbles. He dominated around the rim, showcasing explosive potential, but also struggled with consistency. Scoring 13 points on efficient shooting, Kuminga demonstrated why he’s considered a diamond in the rough.

Warriors’ Shooting Struggles

The Warriors’ three-point performance resembled a startup’s first funding round - unpredictable and somewhat disappointing. They shot a modest 32.6% from beyond the arc, with only Podziemski, Quinten Post, and LJ Cryer showing any real shooting prowess.

While the Warriors ultimately lost 126-116, Podziemski’s performance screamed “future star” louder than a venture capitalist at a pitch meeting. Keep your eyes on this rookie - he’s definitely not just another player, he’s a potential game-changer.