Steve Kerr just pulled a fast one—and it’s got Brandin Podziemski fans doing double takes. After starting most of the season and holding it down with poise beyond his years, Podz is heading to the bench for Game 6. In his place? Gary Payton II, the human full-court press.

This move screams playoff chess, not panic. Kerr’s clearly seen enough of the Rockets’ backcourt cooking, and he’s going full defense mode with Payton’s perimeter clamps. Don’t get it twisted—Podziemski’s been rock-solid. He’s smart, he rebounds like a big, and he rarely makes rookie mistakes. But tonight? It’s about physicality and grit.

With Stephen Curry, Buddy Hield, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, and now Payton in the starting five, this Warriors lineup is all about switching, scrapping, and stopping runs before they start. The message? We’re not giving Houston an inch.

For Brandin Podziemski, this ain’t a demotion—it’s a playoff adjustment. He’ll still get minutes, especially if Kerr needs a jolt of playmaking or some second-unit energy. But right now, it’s all hands on deck, and Kerr’s betting defense wins Game 6. Let’s see if it pays off—or if Podz has to remind everyone why he was in the starting lineup in the first place.

Podz Didn’t Start—But He Started Hustling the Second He Stepped In

Out of the starting lineup? Sure. But Podz didn’t come off the bench just to ride out the game. In the first quarter, he was everywhere—taking a charge from Dillon Brooks, fighting through screens, drawing a foul on Şengün, and even stripping Jabari Smith Jr. in the post. That’s not just hustle—that’s IQ and grit wrapped up in a rookie jersey.

Why’d Kerr make this change? Game 5 was a disaster. Steph and Jimmy combined for just 21 points on 22 shots. Meanwhile, the Rockets’ five starters went off, and Fred VanVleet was hitting everything. Houston shot 55% from the field and smacked the Warriors around early. Kerr’s making a bold move to stop that from happening again.

So yes, Payton starts for defense, but Podz is still in play to change the energy when needed. Because when it comes to winning time, it’s not about names—it’s about who makes the damn plays.

The Warriors’ bench isn’t just a bunch of warm bodies—it’s strategic depth at work. GSW has been targeting Alperen Sengun in Curry screen action. Houston hid him on Moses Moody, so the Warriors quickly brought in Buddy Hield—a movement shooter to stretch the floor. Then, the Rockets responded by putting Hield on Podziemski, and Kerr countered by bringing in Payton—a Curry screener to exploit that mismatch. This is the depth in action.

As Kevin O’Connor said, “Less shooting. More defense.” Kerr’s plan is clear: limit the Rockets’ rhythm and focus on lockdown defense rather than relying on bench scoring. It’s about shutting down Houston’s offensive weapons, making sure they never get into a flow.

Kerr may have benched Brandin Podziemski, but this isn’t about ego—it’s about matchups. Payton’s defense starts the game strong, and Podz comes in to change the game when needed. That’s how you win playoff series.

And if the first quarter is any sign, Podziemski isn’t just riding the bench—he’s making sure he’s ready for the moment when it counts most. His hustle, quick rotations, and ability to make winning plays are a big reason the Warriors are still in this fight.