Golden State’s bench mob is making waves, and Brandin Podziemski just added his name to the history books in a way you wouldn’t expect.
Podziemski’s Unlikely Heroics
Picture this: the Warriors are steamrolling the Blazers, and amidst the chaos, Brandin Podziemski, a young guard off the bench, posts a mind-blowing +34 plus/minus without scoring a single point. That’s right, zero points! It’s like being the unsung hero in a blockbuster movie where you never say a word but still steal the show. He tied Voshon Lenard for the fourth-best 0-point plus/minus in NBA history. Only Andrew Bogut, Miles McBride, and Marcus Smart have done better. And let’s not forget, he outshined guys like Brook Lopez and Lamar Odom. Not bad for a night’s work, eh?
Brandin Podziemski’s +34 plus-minus on Wednesday is tied for the 4th best in a game where a player recorded 0 points.
— Basketball Reference (@bball_ref)
The Magic of Plus/Minus
Now, if you’re wondering what this plus/minus wizardry is all about, it’s basically a way to measure a player’s impact on the game, even if they don’t fill up the stat sheet. Since 2007-08, it’s been a staple in box scores, though it dates back to 1973. It’s like the secret ingredient in your grandma’s famous stew—doesn’t always get the spotlight, but boy, does it make a difference. In my opinion, it’s one of those stats that truly shows the value of team play.
Podziemski may not have scored, but he was hustling with seven rebounds, four assists, and a steal in just 24 minutes. Sure, he missed all his shots, but hey, everyone has an off night. Even Steph Curry isn’t immune to that.
Digging Deeper into Box Plus/Minus
Box plus/minus (BPM) is another layer of the onion. It estimates a player’s contribution using only traditional box score stats. Think of it as a highlight reel for offensive performance. Defensive metrics? Well, that’s a different beast, better tackled by player impact plus/minus or real plus/minus. Since the mid-’80s, BPM has been a go-to for summing up a player’s game-level impact. But let’s face it, sometimes stats can’t capture the sheer hustle and heart a player brings to the court.
So, what’s next for Podziemski? Will he continue to be the silent MVP, or will he find his shooting groove? Either way, he’s already made a mark. What do you think? Is he the real deal or just a flash in the pan?
