Pat Spencer has become a standout performer for the Golden State Warriors over their recent five-game stretch without Stephen Curry, helping the team achieve a 3-2 record. Averaging 16 points, 5.8 assists and 4 rebounds on 59% shooting in his last four games, Spencer has earned praise from coach Steve Kerr. His hot streak draws comparisons to Linsanity, though expectations may test his role moving forward.
Pat Spencer, an undrafted player who transitioned from a lacrosse career to limited college basketball before playing overseas, has worked his way through the Warriors' system to a two-way contract. In the absence of Stephen Curry, sidelined for two weeks, Spencer stepped up significantly. Over his last four games, he averaged 16 points, 5.8 assists and 4 rebounds while shooting 59% from the field. He connected on six of his last eight 3-pointers, bringing his season mark to 44% from deep—a stark improvement from his college days.
Key moments highlight his impact. Against the Philadelphia 76ers, Spencer drained a crucial 3-pointer and exclaimed, "I'm that motherf---er." The next night versus the Cleveland Cavaliers, he waved goodbye to the crowd after a game-winning shot. Starting against the Cavs, Spencer tallied 19 points, seven assists and three rebounds in a victory over the title contenders, despite the Warriors missing Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green.
This performance helped the Warriors go 3-2 in five games, nearly 4-1, salvaging their 13-12 overall record in the tough Western Conference. Curry is set to return Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves after a three-day break.
Steve Kerr has committed to Spencer's minutes. "I'm not going to take away all his minutes," Kerr said on 95.7 The Game. "I'm definitely going to play him with Steph some. Some of it will depend on matchups. How well we can hold up defensively... But the way Pat is playing, the way he's impacting winning, the way he's impacting just the competitive spirit of the team, I have to keep playing him."
Spencer's rise invites comparisons to teammate Brandin Podziemski, who faces fan frustration despite positive advanced stats. As a rookie, the Warriors outscored opponents by 5.3 points per 100 possessions with Podziemski on the floor. Last season, that rose to plus-6.8, and select lineups were plus-22.6. This year, it's plus-0.8 overall, with key lineups at plus-10.5.
Podziemski has delivered strong games, like 21 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, two steals and plus-20 against the Chicago Bulls, shooting 5-of-9 from 3. Against the Oklahoma City Thunder, both players scored 17 points—Spencer with six assists, Podziemski 6-of-11 from the field and 3-of-5 from deep. Kerr subbed Spencer out late for Podziemski, a decision he called tough as "both guys really played great games."
While Spencer's underdog story fuels excitement, his role may evolve with returning stars. Expectations, as one scout noted, often breed frustration for role players like him and Podziemski.
