The Golden State Warriors enter Saturday’s matchup against the Orlando Magic riding a six-game winning streak after dropping their opening three games of the season, a turnaround fueled by strong individual performances and tactical adjustments. Speaking to reporters during Friday’s post-practice media availability on November 7, 2026, Yahoo Sports reported that Warriors head coach Steve Kerr highlighted the offensive growth of guard Brandin Podziemski as a key factor in the team’s stabilization.
Podziemski, playing in his fourth NBA season following a five-year, $110 million contract extension, has averaged 15.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.1 steals through his first seven appearances. Kerr pointed to specific mechanical improvements in the guard’s shot selection that have elevated his efficiency on the floor.
Evolution in Shot Selection
Kerr detailed the tangible changes in how Podziemski attacks opposing defenses, noting a conscious shift away from difficult interior attempts toward higher-value offensive opportunities. According to Yahoo Sports, Kerr noted that the guard is taking more perimeter shots while cutting down on contested floaters and hook shots in the lane.
“I think he’s taking much better shots this year,” Kerr said during his Friday media session, as published by Yahoo Sports. “I think he’s taking more threes, which we’ve always wanted. Fewer difficult hook shots, floaters in the lane. He’s either getting to the rim or he’s shooting the three. He’s been really good with the pump fake, side deep three. I think his shot chart is much healthier.”r>
These modifications have coincided with a broader stabilization of the Golden State rotation amid early-season injuries. While star guard Stephen Curry continues to play at an MVP level and rookie Yaxel Lendeborg has provided an immediate spark, depth contributors like Charles Bassey, Brandon Williams, and Georges Niang have stepped up to cover for absent rotational pieces including Jimmy Butler, Moses Moody, and Kristaps Porzingis.
Building Trust and Maintaining Momentum
Following the Warriors’ recent victory over the Phoenix Suns, Podziemski addressed the mental ease that comes with consistent coaching support and team chemistry during their recovery from a sluggish 0-3 start.
“I feel like there’s an easiness because there’s a trust and a belief from my teammates, coaches that I can play at a high level,” Podziemski said, according to Yahoo Sports. “So, when you have that, you can relax a little bit in your mind with that and just go out there and be free and play. And so that’s a good feeling to have.”r>
The Warriors will look to push their winning streak to seven games as they face an Orlando Magic squad currently mired in a three-game losing skid. For Golden State, Podziemski’s development alongside newcomers like Lendeborg offers a reassuring trajectory for the franchise’s backcourt depth as the rigorous regular-season schedule continues.