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Chuck Todd tells colleagues he’s leaving NBC News
Chuck Todd is taking his podcast and going home.
The former “Meet the Press” moderator circulated a memo to colleagues at NBC News informing them that he would be departing 30 Rock, according to several reports. Todd confirmed his departure.
His last day at NBC News was Friday.
“There’s never a perfect time to leave a place that’s been a professional home for so long, but I’m pretty excited about a few new projects that are on the cusp of going from ‘pie in the sky’ to ‘near reality,’ Todd told NBC News staffers in a memo Friday.
NBC’s Chuck Todd, former “Meet the Press” moderator, circulated a memo to colleagues at NBC News informing them that he would be departing 30 Rock. William B. Plowman /NBC via Getty Images “So I’m grateful for the chance to get a jump start on my next chapter during this important moment.”
Todd confirmed his departure on Friday. When The Post sought comment from Todd via his NBC work email, the automatic message read: “Friday, January 31st was my final day at NBC.”
According to the memo, Todd told colleagues that he intends to take his podcast with him.
The “Chuck Toddcast” is “coming with me,” according to Todd, who urged colleagues to “stay tuned for an announcement about its new home soon.”
Earlier this month, Semafor reported that Todd was plotting his exit from the Peacock Network as his contract was due to expire later this year.
Todd, who was once a key cog in NBC’s political coverage, has reportedly been busy lately taking up meetings with several media organizations to plan his next steps, according to Semafor.
The Post has sought comment from NBC News.
The 52-year-old Florida native joined NBC in 2007 and quickly became a fixture in the network’s national political coverage.
In 2014, he was named moderator of “Meet the Press,” the long-running Sunday morning political talk show, replacing David Gregory.
Gregory, who hosted Meet the Press from 2008 to 2014, struggled to maintain the show’s dominance after Tim Russert’s passing, as declining ratings and criticism of his interview style led to his eventual replacement by Todd.
In addition to his “Meet the Press” gig, Todd hosted a weekday political program “MTP Daily” on sister cable network MSNBC and contributed to NBC’s political website.
In 2023, Todd announced he would step down as host of “Meet the Press” to focus on long-form projects. He was replaced by the current moderator, Kristen Welker.
Speculation about Todd’s future at the network ramped up last year when he was among the voices who criticized NBC News management for its decision to bring Ronna McDaniel, the former Republican National Committee chair, on board as a paid commentator.
In March 2024, NBC News hired McDaniel as a political contributor.
The move sparked significant internal backlash, with big-name NBC and MSNBC hosts such as “Morning Joe” co-hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, Rachel Maddow and Niccole Wallace expressing strong objections due to McDaniel’s past support of Donald Trump’s claims regarding the 2020 election.
Facing mounting pressure, NBC reversed its decision and parted ways with McDaniel just days after her hiring.
Todd’s departure comes during a period of flux at parent company Comcast, which like other media giants is grappling with a rapidly changing landscape that has seen a mass migration of viewers away from linear television and toward digital and streaming.
Comcast, the $129 billion Philadelphia-based telecoms giant, is making major changes by spinning off several of its cable networks, including USA Network, CNBC, MSNBC, E!, Syfy, Oxygen and Golf Channel into a separate company to give them more financial independence and flexibility.
The company is also raising prices on Xfinity services, with most customers seeing increases on their bills starting in January, as part of its strategy to adapt to shifting consumer habits and industry competition.
Shares of Comcast were up by 1.25% as of 11 a.m. Eastern Time on Friday. The company’s stock was selling on Nasdaq at $33.66 a share.
In a shocking announcement, Chuck Todd, the longtime host of NBC’s “Meet the Press,” has reportedly told his colleagues that he is leaving NBC News. Todd, who has been with the network for over 12 years, is said to be pursuing new opportunities in the media industry.During his tenure at NBC, Todd has become one of the most recognizable faces in political journalism, known for his insightful analysis and tough questioning of politicians. His departure will undoubtedly leave a void in the network’s political coverage.
While Todd has not yet made a formal announcement about his departure, many of his colleagues have expressed their sadness at the news. NBC News has not yet commented on the situation, but sources say that Todd’s last day at the network will be in the coming weeks.
We wish Chuck Todd all the best in his future endeavors and thank him for his years of dedicated service to NBC News.
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NBC News’ Chuck Todd exiting network after almost 20 years
Chuck Todd is leaving NBC News.
The NBC chief political analyst and former “Meet The Press” moderator announced the news in a memo shared with staff Friday. The exit comes amid broad shifts in the TV news landscape as President Donald Trump begins his second term. In the memo to fellow NBC staffers, Todd teased his next chapter.
“There’s never a perfect time to leave a place that’s been a professional home for so long, but I’m pretty excited about a few new projects that are on the cusp of going from ‘pie in the sky’ to ‘near reality.’ So I’m grateful for the chance to get a jump start on my next chapter during this important moment,” Todd said in the memo obtained Friday by USA TODAY.
Norah O’Donnell, Hoda Kotb out:‘God-like days’ are over for big name anchors
He continued: “The ‘ChuckToddcast’ is also coming with me (thank you NBC). Stay tuned for an announcement about its new home soon. Needless to say, I do plan to continue to share my reporting and unique perspective of covering politics with data and history as important baselines in understanding where we were, where we are and where we’re going.”
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
NBC News reps said in a statement Friday to USA TODAY, “We’re grateful for Chuck’s many contributions to our political coverage during his nearly two-decade career at NBC News and for his deep commitment to Meet the Press and its enduring legacy,” adding, “We wish him all the best in his next endeavors.”
In 2007, the late Tim Russert, who was NBC’s Washington bureau chief and “Meet The Press” moderator at the time, recruited Todd to work for NBC News as political director. In 2014, Todd later moderated the network’s marquee Sunday program and made splashy headlines during his time at the helm.
In September 2023 he was replaced by NBC News journalist Kristen Welker as moderator of “Meet The Press.”
“The last nine years as moderator of the longest running show on television has been the honor of my professional life, and as I prepare to pass the baton to the next custodian, it is a privilege to pass it to someone who needs no introduction,” Todd said at the time.
This story is developing.
NBC News’ Chuck Todd has announced his departure from the network after nearly 20 years of service. The longtime political correspondent and host of “Meet the Press” made the announcement in a heartfelt statement, thanking his colleagues and viewers for their support throughout his tenure.During his time at NBC News, Todd has been a prominent figure in political journalism, providing insightful analysis and conducting hard-hitting interviews with political leaders from both sides of the aisle. His departure marks the end of an era for the network, as Todd leaves behind a lasting legacy of excellence in journalism.
While Todd’s next steps remain uncertain, his departure from NBC News is sure to leave a void in the world of political reporting. We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors and thank him for his dedication to bringing important news and analysis to viewers around the world.
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NY Waterway names new ferry after Jackie Robinson – NBC New York
New York Waterway is christening the newest addition to its fleet, named after one of the most groundbreaking athletes of all-time.
The Jackie Robinson is a 500-seat passenger ferry named in honor of the Brooklyn Dodgers legend and civil rights icon.
New York Waterway officials, along with the Jackie Robinson Foundation and Robinson’s granddaughter, kicked off the ferry’s first official ride with a champagne bottle-breaking ceremony on Tuesday.
“Our family is really honored to have the opportunity to have young people and all…ride on the Jackie Robinson and have an opportunity to reflect on his legacy, not just on the baseball field, but off the baseball field,” said Robinson’s granddaughter Sonya Pankey.
The Jackie Robinson will begin running on Friday.
NY Waterway, the popular ferry service in New York City, has announced that they will be naming one of their ferries after baseball legend Jackie Robinson. The ferry will be called the “Jackie Robinson Ferry” in honor of the iconic athlete who broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball.Robinson, who played for the Brooklyn Dodgers, is remembered for his incredible talent on the field as well as his courage in the face of racism and discrimination. By naming a ferry after him, NY Waterway is paying tribute to his legacy and the impact he had on the world of sports and beyond.
The announcement was made by NY Waterway CEO Arthur Imperatore, who expressed his excitement about the new ferry and the opportunity to honor a true American hero. The “Jackie Robinson Ferry” will join the fleet of vessels that transport passengers across the Hudson River, providing a fitting tribute to a man who made history both on and off the field.
Stay tuned for more information on the unveiling of the “Jackie Robinson Ferry” and be sure to book a ride on this special vessel to pay homage to a true legend.
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Coworker’s text tipped Mega Millions player to realize he won $1.2 million – NBC Los Angeles
A Southern California man realized he won $1.2 million in the California Lottery Mega Millions after a coworker jokingly texted him about winning.
Michael Chavez said it all happened on election night, Nov. 5, which was also the drawing for the $303 million jackpot.
“I actually woke up in the middle of the night to check the election results to see who won for president, not Mega Millions,” Chavez told the California Lottery.
Chavez said he went back to sleep, but later that morning he remembered he forgot to tell his coworkers that he would not be at work. He then received a funny but life-changing text from his coworker.
“He kidded me if the reason I wasn’t at work was because I had won the million. He even jokingly congratulated me,” Chavez said.
The coworker had even sent him a screenshot of the Mega Millions results.
After taking a close look at the screenshot, Chavez realized he did win the lottery, matching five of the six numbers, a total of $1,214,818.
“I could not believe my eyes,” said Chavez.
The Mega Millions ticket was purchased at Lake Liquor in Lakewood, who will also get $6,000 for selling the winning ticket. The winning numbers for that drawing were 2-24-25-52-58 and the Mega number was 9.
Chavez said had it not been for that text, he doesn’t know when he would have checked the ticket.
“I’ll never forget election night or especially that text,” he said.
“Text from Coworker Leads Mega Millions Player to $1.2 Million Jackpot Win!”
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#Coworkers #text #tipped #Mega #Millions #player #realize #won #million #NBC #Los #AngelesEagles open Brandon Graham’s practice window – NBC Sports Philadelphia
A potential miracle Brandon Graham return is one step closer.
The Eagles on Thursday opened up Graham’s practice window, which means there’s still a chance he could play a week from Sunday against the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans.
B.G. has been on Injured Reserve since Nov. 26, two days after he tore his triceps in the Eagles’ win over the Rams in Inglewood, Calif.
The Eagles were scheduled to practice Thursday, Friday and Saturday this week before traveling to New Orleans on Sunday. Graham won’t count against the 53-man roster unless the Eagles activate him from Injured Reserve.
After the Eagles beat the Commanders in the NFC Championship Game, Graham told NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Dave Zangaro he had an exam scheduled for the next day to determine if a return after just 11 weeks was possible.
“I’ve been working, man, but we’re going to see,” he said. “At the end of the day, I’m just happy we got there. Them boys scored 55 today. That’s what’s up. That might be telling me something.”
That, of course, was a reference to B.G.’s jersey number since 2013.
Graham of course was one of the heroes in the Eagles’ win over the Patriots in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. His strip sack of Tom Brady with 2:16 left and the Eagles up 38-33 is one of the most iconic plays in franchise history. The Eagles went on to win 41-33.
Graham and Lane Johnson are the only position players left on the roster from the Eagles’ only Super Bowl championship.
Graham, 36, was playing at a very high level in his 15th season when he got hurt. He had 3 ½ sacks, a forced fumble, six tackles for loss, seven quarterback hits and two pass knockdowns in 11 games while averaging 28 snaps per game.
In his last game, Graham increased his career sack total to 76 ½, moving past Clyde Simmons (76) and into third in Eagles history, behind Reggie White (124) and former teammate Trent Cole (85 ½).
Graham is the franchise record holder with 5 ½ career postseason sacks, although Nolan Smith is only one behind him.
With Graham out, Vic Fangio has gone with a three-man edge rush rotation with Smith, Josh Sweat and rookie Jalyx Hunt. Smith has 10 ½ sacks, including four in the postseason, Sweat has 8.0 but none in his last five games, and Hunt has 2 ½, including one in the playoff win over the Rams. Big-money free agent Bryce Huff has played only 13 snaps during the postseason, 12 of them in mop-up time Sunday.
B.G. said Sunday whether or not he plays, he’ll be a big part of things as the Eagles play in their third Super Bowl in eight years.
“I’m with it regardless,” he said. “Yes or no, it don’t matter. I’m just happy these guys is just working their butt off and now we got to the Super Bowl. Now we gotta go finish.”
Tune in to Mission 59 specials leading up to Super Bowl LIX on NBC Sports Philadelphia, presented by Toyota.
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The Philadelphia Eagles have announced that defensive end Brandon Graham has been activated from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list and will begin practicing with the team. This is a significant step forward for Graham as he continues his recovery from a knee injury that sidelined him for the start of training camp.Graham, who is entering his 12th season with the Eagles, is a key player on the team’s defense and his return to practice is a positive development for the team. Head coach Nick Sirianni expressed his excitement about having Graham back on the field, stating, “Brandon is a leader on this team and his presence on the field will be a boost for our defense.”
Graham’s return to practice comes at a crucial time for the Eagles as they prepare for the upcoming season. His veteran presence and playmaking ability will be invaluable as the team looks to improve on their performance from last season.
Fans and teammates alike are thrilled to see Graham back in action and are hopeful that he will be ready to make a significant impact once the regular season begins. Stay tuned for updates on Graham’s progress as he continues to ramp up his practice participation with the team.
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#Eagles #open #Brandon #Grahams #practice #window #NBC #Sports #PhiladelphiaWhere Taylor Rogers trade leaves Giants payroll, bullpen entering 2025 – NBC Sports Bay Area & California
SAN FRANCISCO — The Giants’ pairing of the Rogers Twins couldn’t have gotten off to a rockier start. Taylor gave up earned runs in four of his first five appearances as Tyler’s teammate, and after a particularly rough appearance against the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 12, 2023, he tossed his glove in a dugout trash can.
From there, everything turned.
For most of the last two seasons, the lefty has given the Giants what they expected, and Tyler continues to churn out one valuable relief season after another. But on Wednesday, the Giants broke the pairing up.
Taylor and $6 million were sent to the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday, with the Giants getting a relief prospect back in return. The move opens up some bullpen innings, but mostly it gives the Giants salary relief.
Taylor Rogers was due $12 million in the final season of a three-year contract that was given out by Farhan Zaidi. The question for now is whether new president of baseball operations Buster Posey plans to reinvest those savings.
Team sources said after the trade that no other move appeared imminent, and Posey told The Athletic’s Andrew Bagarly that the Giants would keep looking but “feel pretty set with the roster the way it is right now.” If this is it for the offseason, the Giants will start the year well short of where they were last season in terms of payroll.
The Giants currently are at about $217 million in luxury-tax payroll, according to Roster Resource, well below last year’s estimate of about $252 million. They do not intend to go into the tax this year, as they did last year, but they still have roughly $24 million to spend before they hit that line — if they want to.
The problem at this point is that there aren’t many players to pursue even if the Giants made a late charge. Pete Alonso and Alex Bregman remain on the market, but the latter plays the same position as Matt Chapman and Alonso would cost the Giants multiple draft picks at a time when the farm system is lacking, and he plays the same position as the only top 100 prospect — Bryce Eldridge — in the organization.
Ha-Seong Kim, an early target and a potential option at second base, signed with the Tampa Bay Rays earlier Wednesday. There still are several good veteran relievers on the market, but that’s one area where the Giants are pretty deep.
The bullpen lost some veteran depth with Wednesday’s deal, but Taylor Rogers had fallen down the pecking order under manager Bob Melvin and was pitching earlier in games than he was accustomed to. The new staff decided pretty quickly last season that Erik Miller would be the high-leverage lefty, and with Miller, Ryan Walker, Tyler Rogers, Camilo Doval and Randy Rodriguez, the Giants are pretty well-covered late in games.
Where they now are lacking is overall depth from the left side, although Joey Lucchesi will be in camp as a non-roster invitee and he can fill that second role. Other options likely will be brought in, as well.
If the Giants stand pat right now and opt to simply save the $6 million, they always could reinvest at the MLB trade deadline. That, however, would require being in contention, and after a relatively quiet offseason, there are still very valid questions about just how high the ceiling is for this group.
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The San Francisco Giants made a big move this offseason by trading for left-handed reliever Taylor Rogers. This trade has significant implications for both the team’s payroll and bullpen entering the 2025 season.With Rogers now on the roster, the Giants have added a high-quality arm to their bullpen, which was already a strength for the team. Rogers, a proven closer with a track record of success, gives the Giants added depth and versatility in their relief corps.
However, the addition of Rogers also comes with a financial cost. The Giants took on Rogers’ contract in the trade, which will impact their payroll going forward. With Rogers set to make a significant salary in 2025, the Giants will need to make corresponding moves to stay under the luxury tax threshold.
Overall, the Taylor Rogers trade leaves the Giants with a stronger bullpen but also a tighter payroll situation. It will be interesting to see how the team manages its finances and roster construction in the coming season as they look to build on their success in recent years.
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Why Warriors starting Quinten Post is risky experiment worth taking – NBC Sports Bay Area & California
For a few weeks, the Warriors contemplated bringing Quinten Post up from the G League as his development was shining for the Santa Cruz Warriors. His 3-point shot started falling consistently while Post was an offensive force, and even more importantly, his defense was making major strides in the pick-and-roll.
Even Post has admitted how vital his G League experience was before recently joining Golden State’s rotation. From the size of the court to the speed of the game, the shot clock and more, all 17 games Post spent in Santa Cruz readied him for the NBA. Watching from afar, or on the Warriors’ bench as a two-way player, the rookie center also saw how he could be a factor for Golden State before being part of the team’s plans.
Especially when it came to helping Steph Curry.
“There were a few games this season where I was there and I was like, ‘OK, in this game I felt like I could have made an impact,’” Post said Monday to reporters at Warriors practice. “… There are teams that have a lot of big centers that just want to camp in the paint all game long. In those games, I was like, ‘Yeah, I probably could have made an impact here.’
“To see it happen in these last couple games, it’s still a work in progress, but I do feel like I space the floor and help a guy out like Steph, and then Dennis [Schroder] too. We’ve had some success in the pick-and-roll.”
Which is why after only seven games played in the NBA for a total of 84 minutes, inserting Post into the Warriors’ starting lineup could be their next worthwhile experiment.
Steve Kerr already needed to use 26 different starting lineups between injuries and searching for the right combinations through the Warriors’ first 45 games. The Warriors all of last season had 27 different starting lineup. Why not include a 24-year-old rookie for their 27th this season when the Warriors play the Utah Jazz at Chase Center on Tuesday night?
Curry was stunned to learn the Warriors are 1-18 when trailing after the third quarter this season, and 0-2 when tied. Well, they’re also 7-16 when falling behind after the first quarter, compared to 14-4 when having the lead. The Warriors are 15-3 when they have a halftime lead, and just 7-19 in games they start the second half from behind.
Of course, the Warriors have defensive issues that need to be addressed. Not getting stops has slowed down their pace, making them an offense that doesn’t fit their style. Offense far and away has been a bigger problem this season, and that’s where Post can provide a punch from the opening tipoff.
With Draymond Green and Jonathan Kuminga out due to injuries, Kerr has started Gary Payton II the last four games as a 6-foot-2 power forward next to Trayce Jackson-Davis in the frontcourt three times and Kevon Looney once. No matter Curry’s chemistry next to Payton, or the fact that he made multiple 3-pointers for the first time all season last games, that still means Steph is beginning games next to two non-shooters. And other teams know it.
A second-round draft pick isn’t all of a sudden going to make teams stop double and triple-teaming Curry. Post’s ability to let it fly from deep as a 7-footer certainly can ease the burden, though. There’s a reason Kerr called Curry “the happiest person in the building” when Post scored 20 points and made five 3-pointers against the Chicago Bulls two games ago.
Steph was hyped after this Post 3 pic.twitter.com/whgX81m3hq
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) January 24, 2025
From the center position, Curry never has been paired with someone at Post’s size who is a true 3-point threat. Post has averaged 17.9 minutes off the bench in the Warriors’ last four games while making at least one three in each game for a total of 9 of 23, a 39.1-percent clip.
Fellow big men Looney and Jackson-Davis will still be needed for their services. Maybe Post starts the game for a few minutes and then his opportunities are sprinkled throughout the game to get him anywhere between 15 and 20 minutes a night. Either way, what he already has provided hasn’t been ignored.
“The beauty of a stretch big is that everybody can play with a stretch big, because it opens up the floor,” Kerr said after Monday’s practice. “It literally makes everybody better. … We’ve got options by putting a 3-point shooting big out there. It gives us a lot of different possibilities.”
Post’s 130.9 offensive rating in 32 minutes next to Schroder shows how he already is helping the veteran guard. His 129.7 offensive rating in 30 minutes with Brandin Podziemski and 128.9 offensive rating in 60 minutes with Moses Moody have been a boost to the bench. All three offensive ratings are better than Post’s 119.8 in the 36 minutes (three games) that he has been on the court with Curry.
Post finds Schröder for 3 pic.twitter.com/yZsIC4sK3p
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) January 26, 2025
That offensive rating also easily trumps what Looney and Jackson-Davis have been as Curry’s center. In a season full of experimenting past the halfway mark, putting Post on the court next to Curry at the start of games is a risk worth taking.
The Golden State Warriors have made a bold move by starting Quinten Post at center, and while it may seem like a risky experiment, it’s a decision that is worth taking a chance on.Post, a 6’11” center out of the Netherlands, has shown tremendous potential in his limited playing time this season. His size, athleticism, and shooting ability make him a unique and intriguing option for the Warriors at the center position.
While Post is still raw and inexperienced, his upside is undeniable. By starting him, the Warriors are giving him valuable playing time and the opportunity to develop and grow as a player.
Additionally, starting Post allows the Warriors to experiment with different lineup combinations and strategies. His ability to stretch the floor and create mismatches could give the Warriors an added dimension on offense.
Of course, there are risks involved in starting a young and unproven player like Post. He may struggle with the physicality of the NBA or make mistakes on defense. However, the potential rewards outweigh the risks, and the Warriors are wise to give Post a chance to prove himself.
In the end, starting Quinten Post is a calculated gamble that could pay off big for the Warriors. It’s a bold move that shows their commitment to developing young talent and finding innovative ways to win. Only time will tell if it pays off, but for now, the risk is worth taking.
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Brandin Podziemski giving Warriors needed intensity bump since return – NBC Sports Bay Area & California
SAN FRANCISCO – With the Warriors stumbling in circles over the past couple months, it is apparent they need some assistance. Maybe it starts with someone willing to grab them and try to pull them from the Western Conference swamp.
The youngest among them is impetuous enough to embrace the job.
Brandin Podziemski, who turns 22 next month, brought a conspicuous and contagious energy Tuesday night. Urgent in his movements and emphatic in his instructions, he came off the bench and lit the fuse that sent the Warriors to a 114-103 victory over a diluted version of the rebuilding Utah Jazz.
On a night when Dennis Schröder overcame an injury scare to submit his most productive game as a Warrior – team-high 23 points, five rebounds, four assists – it was Podziemski’s effervescent presence that roused Golden State into action.
“Brandin looks really strong and sharp and determined,” coach Steve Kerr said. “He was fantastic tonight. It’s exciting to see. It’s what he expected from the start this season, and obviously things started slowly for him. But he’s really looking like himself now.”
With Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Jonathan Kuminga sidelined, the Warriors moseyed through the first six minutes, allowing the Jazz to build a seven-point lead. That’s when Kerr turned to his bench, summoning Kevon Looney, Gary Payton II and Podziemski.
The change in energy and effectiveness was immediate. Utah, on pace to drop 40 points in 12 minutes, suddenly looked every bit like a team missing four of its top six scorers. It took less than four minutes for a Podziemski 3-pointer to give the Warriors their first lead.
Podz fakes and nails the 3 pic.twitter.com/tMmvpJIlr0
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) January 29, 2025
Podziemski’s fingerprints were all over a sizzling nine minutes spanning the first and second quarters when the Warriors asserted themselves. They outscored the Jazz 20-4 during that stretch, with him either scoring or assisting on 14 of those 20 points.
For his 33 minutes, Podziemski posted a plus-19 while producing 20 points on 5-of-12 shooting from the field, including 4 of 11 from beyond the arc, as well as seven rebounds, a team-high six assists and one steal.
“What we need is what you saw tonight,” Kerr said. “The energy, the passing, the connecting. Long rebounds, loose balls.”
These things, along with Podziemski’s aggressive nature, matter because the Warriors benefit from that pluck. It’s allowed because he already has gained entry into Golden State’s leadership club, given license by Green last season – when Podziemski was a rookie.
“It’s just his personality,” Looney said of Podziemski. “He’s a talkative guy. I don’t know what word I would use … but he could be an a-hole sometimes. But as a point guard, you want that in your point guard. Dennis is like that. They’re going to push guys’ buttons and get under guys’ skin. But you need that toughness out there.”
Podziemski doesn’t run from the status. One minute, he’s gesturing Schröder to pick up the pace, the next he is literally shoving Gui Santos into defensive position. It’s as if on the day the Warriors announced the jersey retirement of Andre Iguodala, Podziemski studied some Iguodala video on subtle and overt ways that lead to success.
“His swagger is part of what makes him who he is,” Kerr said.
“I learned that I’m very capable with whatever role I’m asked to do,” Podziemski said. “And I can raise the bar for myself a lot more than what I’m doing right now. As time goes on, I’m going to contribute and be better as a teammate, as a player, everything, all around.”
The Warriors need every edge they can find. Know that Podziemski, revived after missing 12 games with an injury, will bring his every time he is called.
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In his first game back from injury, Brandin Podziemski showed just how much he can impact the Golden State Warriors with his intensity and energy on the court. The rookie guard brought a much-needed spark to the team, helping them secure a crucial win against the top seed in the Western Conference.Podziemski’s aggressive defense and relentless hustle on both ends of the floor were key in disrupting the opposing team’s offense and creating scoring opportunities for his teammates. His presence also seemed to elevate the play of those around him, as the Warriors looked more cohesive and determined with him on the court.
With Podziemski back in the lineup, the Warriors have a new weapon to unleash in their quest for a deep playoff run. His tenacity and passion for the game could be just what the team needs to push them over the edge and compete with the best in the league.
Stay tuned to see how Podziemski’s energy and intensity continue to impact the Warriors as they gear up for the postseason. This young guard may just be the X-factor that propels Golden State to championship contention.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs Andrew Wiggins key to Warriors-Thunder game – NBC Sports Bay Area & California
The Warriors know what they’re up against Wednesday night when they face Oklahoma City, which is bossing the NBA this season. The Thunder have the best record, the best defense, the best net rating and the leading candidate for Most Valuable Player.
The best approach to beating the Thunder (37-8) begins with containing point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the MVP candidate and the best game maestro in the league.
Golden State (23-23) will ask Andrew Wiggins to be its first line of defense – and hope it doesn’t come at the cost of Wiggins’ offense. The Warriors are going to need both.
Though it’s not accurate to describe Gilgeous-Alexander as a “shooter,” he leads the league in scoring (32.1 points per game). He’s shooting 52.8 percent from the field, including 35.1 percent from distance. Insofar as he is second in the NBA in free-throw attempts (8.3 per game) and first in makes (7.5), the priority is to keep him off the line.
The problem the Warriors face is that Gilgeous-Alexander uses smarts and angles when wading into the paint to draw contact. Can Wiggins defend without fouling? In OKC’s last loss to the Dallas Mavericks last Thursday, Gilgeous-Alexander shot only six free throws. He shot only four in a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers three weeks ago.
Golden State coach Steve Kerr generally believes in battling a star ballhandler with a rotating crew of defenders. Gary Payton II will get a few turns; he might even start. Moses Moody and Lindy Waters III also could be called.
Though SGA is the undisputed star, the Thunder has a deep group of two-way wings – with Jalen Williams and Luguentz Dort leading the way – that have a clear understanding of the team’s defensive principles and offensive strategies. No team is better at turning defense into offense, as OKC leads the NBA in points off turnovers while allowing the fewest points off their giveaways. They simply do not beat themselves.
The Thunder’s most exploitable weakness is rebounding, which ranks 23rd in the league. Only the wretched Washington Wizards allow more second-chance points than the Thunder. Dallas forward PJ Washington savaged OKC for 22 points and 19 rebounds to anchor the Mavericks’ win last week.
Translation: Attacking the offensive glass is essential for the Warriors – who rank third in overall rebounding and fourth in offensive rebounding – to give themselves a reasonable chance at pulling off the upset. Limiting Gilgeous-Alexander is but the first step.
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The upcoming matchup between the Golden State Warriors and the Oklahoma City Thunder is set to be an exciting game, with both teams fielding talented players who have the potential to make a big impact on the outcome. One key matchup to watch will be between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Thunder and Andrew Wiggins of the Warriors.Gilgeous-Alexander has been a standout player for the Thunder this season, averaging 24.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game. His ability to score and create opportunities for his teammates makes him a major threat on the court. On the other hand, Wiggins has been a consistent performer for the Warriors, averaging 18.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. His scoring ability and defensive prowess make him a key player for Golden State.
The matchup between Gilgeous-Alexander and Wiggins will be crucial in determining the outcome of the game. Both players have the skills and talent to dominate on both ends of the court, and whoever can outperform the other will likely give their team a significant advantage.
Fans can tune in to NBC Sports Bay Area & California to catch all the action and see which player comes out on top in this exciting showdown between the Warriors and Thunder. It’s sure to be a thrilling game that fans won’t want to miss.
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