By Rell Wright, Pelicans Contributor

The New Orleans Pelicans fell to the Golden State Warriors 112-108 on Friday night, extending their recent struggles and diminishing their chances in the NBA Cup. Trey Murphy III led the Pelicans with 24 points, including a critical 3-point attempt in the final seconds that could have given New Orleans the lead, but his shot fell short.

Brandon Boston Jr.’s late-game steal set up Murphy’s opportunity, showcasing the Pelicans’ resilience despite their injury woes. However, Golden State’s Draymond Green iced the game with two free throws after grabbing Murphy’s missed shot, solidifying the Warriors’ victory.

Andrew Wiggins delivered a stellar performance with 30 points, including a crucial three-point play in the fourth quarter that pushed Golden State’s lead to 102-94. The Pelicans fought back, cutting the deficit to 110-108, but their comeback bid fell just short. Brandon Ingram and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl contributed 18 and 19 points, respectively, while rookie Jordan Hawkins returned from injury with six points. However, New Orleans struggled to keep pace on the boards, being outrebounded 52-42, a key factor in their tenth loss in 11 games.

The Pelicans continue to face challenges with injuries and inconsistency. Playing without Zion Williamson for the eighth consecutive game, New Orleans relied on its 12th different starting lineup of the season, highlighting the team’s lack of continuity. While Murphy and Boston showed promise, the Pelicans must regroup as they prepare to face the Indiana Pacers on Monday night. As they sit at 1-2 in group play, the team needs to rediscover its rhythm and health to salvage its season.