Moses Moody shines as Curry’s potential new Splash Brother
The Golden State Warriors soared to a commanding 124-106 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday, marking their third consecutive road win and setting a season-high with 24 three-pointers. While Stephen Curry had an off night with only nine points, the team showcased a deeper roster with standout performances, particularly from a rising star who is beginning to redefine the Warriors’ shooting legacy.
Moody steps up as Curry’s new Splash Brother
For over a decade, the iconic duo of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson thrilled basketball fans as the Splash Brothers. However, following Thompson’s departure before the 2024-25 season, speculation arose over who might step into that role. Buddy Hield had flashes of brilliance last season, but his 37 percent three-point shooting fell short of the mark.
Enter Moses Moody, a player who has been auditioning for the coveted Splash Brother title. Coming into Sunday’s game with a respectable 41.9 percent from beyond the arc, Moody finally made his statement. In a mesmerizing first quarter, he drained seven three-pointers, joining the ranks of Curry and Thompson as the only Warriors to achieve such a feat in a single quarter. By the end of the night, Moody had amassed 33 points and hit eight threes on just 12 attempts, pushing his three-point percentage to an impressive 45.3 percent. With this performance, he has firmly established himself as a new Splash Brother—at least for now.
Trade targets underwhelming, but intriguing
As discussions around potential trades heat up, attention has turned to players like Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III, particularly in the context of a possible deal involving Jonathan Kuminga. Both players are viewed as valuable three-and-D assets that could enhance the Warriors’ title aspirations. However, their performances on Sunday painted a less-than-rosy picture.
Murphy managed a modest 20 points on 6-of-13 shooting, including 2-of-6 from three-point range, but his five turnovers overshadowed his scoring efforts. Meanwhile, Jones struggled, posting only six points on 2-of-7 shooting, failing to convert any of his three-point attempts. If the Warriors are contemplating parting ways with Kuminga and possibly draft picks, they will need to see more from these players, particularly from the perimeter.
Interestingly, both Murphy and Jones showcased their defensive prowess by limiting Curry to just nine points on a dismal 2-of-11 shooting night, with Jones applying relentless pressure. While their trade potential remains valid, the Warriors will need to assess Jones’ shooting consistency before making any commitments.
Podziemski rises to the occasion
In the wake of Steve Kerr’s challenges, Brandin Podziemski has stepped up his game significantly. Draymond Green recently highlighted Kerr’s call to action, which seemed to resonate with Podziemski, prompting him to deliver his best performance of the season against the Spurs.
Despite a quiet offensive presence in previous games, Podz broke out in November with a solid 19-point showing against the Pelicans, shooting 8-of-13 from the field and dishing out three assists without a single turnover. His three-point shooting improved as well, going 3-of-7 from long range, which brings his recent total to 8-of-18 since Kerr’s challenge. Podziemski has appeared more engaged on both ends of the floor over the past few games, embracing his role off the bench while rookie Will Richard starts in front of him. His resilience and commitment deserve recognition as he navigates this pivotal stage of his career.
