Gui Santos Delivers 13 Points in Warriors' Tough Loss to 76ers
In the competitive landscape of the 2025-26 NBA season, Brazilian forward Gui Santos emerged as a bright spot for the Golden State Warriors during their 113-94 home loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on February 3, 2026. With star guard Stephen Curry sidelined by a painful right knee injury, Santos stepped up with 13 points, matching teammate Pat Spencer for the team's second-highest scoring output. This performance underscores Santos' growing role in a Warriors squad grappling with injuries and inconsistencies, as they dropped to 27-24 and lost their third straight game at Chase Center.
Game Breakdown: Warriors' Defensive Struggles Exposed
The matchup in San Francisco pitted a surging Philadelphia team—riding a five-game winning streak—against a Warriors side missing key pieces. The 76ers, led by rookie sensation VJ Edgecombe's 25 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, dominated the boards with a 55-34 rebounding edge, including 24 offensive boards. Philadelphia capitalized on Golden State's 20 turnovers, scoring 15 fast-break points off them.
Santos, a 6-foot-8 forward known for his versatility, contributed efficiently in limited minutes. He shot 5-for-9 from the field, including a pair of 3-pointers, showcasing his developing outside shooting. His scoring came at crucial junctures, particularly in the first half when the Warriors built a brief lead with hot 3-point shooting (8-of-15 in the opening quarter). Teammate Moses Moody added 12 points, while Draymond Green and Al Horford connected on back-to-back 3s early, assisted by each other, to spark the crowd.
Santos' Key Moments and Efficiency
Gui Santos' impact wasn't just in points; his energy on both ends helped stabilize the bench unit. Entering the game as part of Golden State's depth rotation, Santos grabbed four rebounds and dished two assists, demonstrating his all-around game. In a first quarter where the Warriors shot an impressive 63.2% from the field, Santos' early bucket—a smooth mid-range jumper—set the tone for his night. However, as Philadelphia adjusted with Adem Bona's perfect first-half shooting (5-for-5, 11 points total) and Andre Drummond's double-double (12 points, 11 rebounds), the Warriors' defense faltered, allowing the Sixers to pull away in the third quarter with a 26-16 scoring run.
Without Curry, who exited early from a prior loss to Detroit, and Jonathan Kuminga sidelined for his fifth straight game with a knee bruise, Santos' contributions highlighted the Warriors' reliance on role players. Coach Steve Kerr praised Santos post-game, noting, "Gui's poise under pressure is exactly what we need right now. He's earning more minutes." This loss marked the second defeat to Philadelphia this season, with the 76ers now leading the series 2-0.
Gui Santos' Journey: From Brazil to NBA Stardom
Born Guilherme "Gui" Santos in Juiz de Fora, Brazil, in 2002, Santos' path to the NBA was paved with international success. He rose through the ranks with Minas Tênis Clube in Brazil's NBB league before moving to the G League Ignite program in 2021. Drafted 55th overall by the Warriors in the 2022 NBA Draft, Santos has gradually carved out a niche as a multi-positional forward. Standing at 6'8" with a 7'0" wingspan, his athleticism and shooting touch make him a modern NBA archetype.
In his rookie season (2022-23), Santos appeared in just 17 games, averaging 1.5 points. But by the 2024-25 campaign, he earned a two-way contract and saw increased action, averaging 4.2 points and 2.1 rebounds in 12.3 minutes per game. This season, at 23 years old, Santos has elevated his game, posting career highs with 6.8 points and 3.5 rebounds across 45 appearances. His shooting efficiency—45% from the field and 35% from three—has caught the eye of analysts, positioning him as a potential long-term piece for Golden State's contending roster.
Overcoming Challenges in a Star-Studded Backcourt
Playing alongside legends like Curry, Klay Thompson (now departed), and Draymond Green presents both opportunity and pressure for young talents like Santos. Injuries have forced him into expanded roles; without Curry's scoring gravity, Santos has thrived in pick-and-roll sets and transition plays. His international experience, including representing Brazil at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, adds a global flair to the Warriors' identity, appealing to the league's growing international fanbase.
Analysts point to Santos' defensive versatility as a key asset. Capable of guarding wings and bigs, he logged 1.2 steals per 36 minutes this season. However, turnovers remain a concern—Santos coughed up the ball twice in this game—highlighting areas for growth as he pushes for consistent rotation minutes.
Warriors' Road Ahead: Santos' Role in Recovery
Golden State's Pacific Division standing (fourth place, 4 games behind leaders LA Lakers and Phoenix) hangs in the balance. The upcoming road game against Phoenix on Thursday night will test their resilience, especially with Curry's status uncertain. Santos could see 20+ minutes if the knee injury lingers, providing a spark off the bench alongside Moody and Spencer.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia continues their West Coast swing, facing the Lakers next. Coach Nick Nurse's squad arrived late due to Bay Area traffic but showed no rust, extending their streak despite a back-to-back schedule. For the Warriors, this loss serves as a wake-up call: rebounding and ball security must improve to contend in the West.
In a league where depth wins championships, Gui Santos represents the next wave of international talent keeping Golden State competitive. As the season progresses toward the playoffs, his development could be the X-factor in their championship aspirations. Fans and scouts alike will watch closely as Santos continues to prove his worth on the NBA stage.
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