In Curry’s absence, Gui Santos takes the lead and becomes the Warriors’ scorer against the 76ersBy Thiago Lemos
5 min read
![]() |
Brazilian winger Gui Santos had a standout individual night for Golden State Warriors, taking advantage of the opportunity as a starter to lead the team in scoring in the clash against the Philadelphia 76ers. Atuando in Chase Center, in Apesar the Brazilian’s good performance, the Califórnia team was unable to overcome the visitors and suffered a defeat by the score of 113 to 94.
The match was marked by important absences for the home team, mainly the absence of point guard Stephen Curry, who is recovering from an injury. Sem their main star, the Warriors needed other sources of punctuation, and Santos answered the call. Ele shared the team’s scoring position with reserve point guard Pat Spencer, who also finished the night with 13 points, highlighting the collective effort to compensate for the lack of number 30.
Gui is everywhere 🇧🇷pic.twitter.com/Na7SeB5rH7
—Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors)February 4, 2026
During the 26 minutes he was on the court, Gui Santos demonstrated maturity and efficiency, not limiting himself to just scoring. Sua performance was complete, contributing significantly on both sides of the court and showing why he has gained more and more space in the technical committee’s planning. The positive sequence of performances reinforces the development of the only Brazilian active in the league during the current season.
A well-spent opportunity in the rotation
The absence of a player of Stephen Curry’s caliber completely changes the offensive dynamics of any team. Para o Golden State Warriors, this meant the need for other athletes to take on a greater volume of shots and decisions with the ball. Gui Santos, selected in the initial quintet, understood the responsibility and was not intimidated by the challenge. Sua Controlled aggression towards the basket and good shot selection were crucial to keeping the team competitive at different moments of the game.
Coach Steve Kerr has been testing different formations to deal with injuries affecting the squad, and Santos’s positive response in these situations is encouraging. The trust placed in the Brazilian was repaid with a solid performance, which goes beyond the numbers and shows a keen tactical understanding of the Warriors’s game system. Essa Adaptability is essential for a young player looking to establish himself in one of the most competitive leagues in the world.
Statistical analysis of the Brazilian’s performance
The 13 points scored by Gui Santos were constructed with remarkable efficiency. The winger converted five of his seven shots from the field, resulting in an excellent 71% success rate. Esse number indicates that the player knew how to choose the right moments to attack the basket, avoiding forcing plays and contributing to a more fluid attack, even without the presence of Curry to attract the attention of the opposing defense.
His contribution, however, went far beyond scoring. The Brazilian also distributed three assists, showing good vision of the game and the ability to find free teammates. On the defensive side, his impact was equally relevant, registering two steals and two blocked shots. Essas plays demonstrate his versatility and energy, transforming defense into counterattack opportunities and making it difficult for the Philadelphia 76ers’ offensive actions.
Continuous development at Califórnia
Gui Santos’s path to establishing itself in the main rotation of Golden State Warriors is an example of perseverance and hard work. Após being selected in the NBA’s Draft, the player spent an important period in the G-League, the development league, where he improved his skills and adapted to the speed and physical level of North American basketball. Essa experience was essential for him to arrive more prepared for the first team.
Under the command of Steve Kerr, known for developing young talents, Santos has evolved in crucial aspects of the game. Sua perimeter defense has improved considerably, and his confidence in long-range shooting has grown with each game. The coaching staff values his combination of height, agility and intelligence on the court, characteristics that make him a modern player capable of performing multiple tactical roles.
Conferência Oeste’s competitive landscape
The loss to the Philadelphia 76ers represents a setback for the Warriors at a delicate moment in the season. Conferência Oeste is extremely balanced, with several teams fighting intensely for a place in the playoffs. Cada victory is vital, especially in games played at home. With the result, the San Francisco team remains in the classification zone for the Play-in tournament, an elimination phase that precedes the playoffs, but with no room for error.
Currently, the team occupies eighth place, with a record of 27 wins and 24 losses. Maintaining this position or seeking a higher position in the table will directly depend on the squad’s ability to overcome periods of absence of its stars. Nesse context, the growth and consistency of players like Gui Santos are not just a bonus, but a necessity if the franchise’s season ambitions are to be achieved.
Technical and tactical impact of the Brazilian winger
The presence of Gui Santos on the court offers Steve Kerr important tactical flexibility. With his height and wingspan, he can defend both perimeter players and taller athletes close to the basket, allowing the team to execute defensive switches more efficiently. Essa versatility is one of the pillars of the Warriors defense system and one of the reasons why the Brazilian has been gaining relevant minutes.
On offense, his ability to cut toward the basket without the ball and his smart positioning for offensive rebounds create second scoring chances for the team. Ele understands the concepts of ball movement and players that characterize the Warriors attack, integrating fluidly with the veterans of the squad. Sua energy and willingness to execute so-called “effort plays” are qualities that, although they do not always appear in the main statistics, are highly valued by the coaching staff and teammates.
Consolidation as an important piece for the future
The streak of four games with ten or more points is a significant milestone in Gui Santos’s young NBA career. Ela represents the transition from a promising player to an athlete who delivers consistent results when called upon. Essa regularity is what separates players who just pass through the league from those who build a solid and lasting career.
For Golden State Warriors, who are looking to balance maintaining their winning core with a gradual roster renewal, the development of Santos is excellent news. Ele represents the future of the franchise and shows that talent observation and development work continues to be a strong point of the organization. With each good performance, the Brazilian not only gains more space, but also solidifies the hope that Brasil will have a prominent representative in the main basketball league in the world for many years to come.

