The Golden State Warriors ended the Detroit Pistons’ undefeated streak in 2025 in a three-point win against the Eastern side.

In a low-scoring game, no player on the Dubs crossed the 20-point mark as Buddy Hield led the scoring with 19 points to his name.

Stephen Curry also had a double-double performance with 17 points and 10 rebounds. However, head coach Steve Kerr was impressed with one bench player’s extra contributions.

Steve Kerr praises Gui Santos

With multiple star players on the injury report, the Warriors had to rely on their depth for a 107-104 win vs. the in-form Pistons.

Sophomore forward Gui Santos was among the bench players, who shined for the franchise in the close victory. After the game, coach Kerr had nothing but good things to say about the Brazilian star.

“Well-deserved. We talked before the game about How many battles, little battles, can you win? Box out, loose ball. He won a million battles tonight. That’s what wins games,” Kerr said.

“He’d been waiting all year and then finally got his chance and he delivered, that’s what this league is about. … He was brilliant and this game is about so much more than whether you make a shot or miss a shot,” Kerr continued.

Santos finished the night with 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists in just 26 minutes of playing time.

For a player who was putting up just 0.8 points, 1.0 rebounds, and 0.4 assists per game for the season, Santos accepted the increased role with open arms.

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Santos receives incredible honor in the locker room

The Warriors have immensely struggled this season. Many believe they need a player who can hustle on both ends of the court.

Since Santos fulfilled that role for the Dubs vs. Pistons, the entire locker room gave him a standing ovation, says Kerr.

“Everything you saw Gui do tonight, that’s what wins games. So, that’s why he got an ovation because the guys recognize that. He was fantastic,” Kerr added.

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While Kerr knew that Santos would play vs. the Pistons, he didn’t expect such a productive night from the 22-year-old.

“We knew he would play. We didn’t know he would be a big factor, but we knew he’d play. He came in and immediately made his imprint on the game,” the GSW coach concluded.

The Warriors have now improved a 19-18 record, but they are still the ninth seed in the Western Conference.