By Rell Wright, Pelicans Contributor
The Golden State Warriors capitalized on Stephen Curry‘s return from a two-game absence to secure a 111-95 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night. Despite a challenging shooting performance, Curry’s presence was pivotal in the Warriors’ success.
Curry’s Impact
Playing 34 minutes in his comeback from a pelvic bruise sustained on March 20, Curry scored 23 points while making 7 of 21 shots, including five 3-pointers. His ability to stretch the floor provided a much-needed spark for Golden State, especially during a crucial second-half surge.
The Warriors, now 1-2 on a critical six-game road trip, also saw solid contributions from Jimmy Butler, who recorded 18 points and 10 rebounds, and Jonathan Kuminga, who added 16 points. The team aims to secure a top-six Western Conference seeding to avoid the play-in tournament.
Pelicans Struggle with Injuries
The injury-depleted Pelicans, playing without four key starters, including Zion Williamson (lower back), put up a valiant effort but couldn’t keep pace. Rookie center Yves Missi notched his 12th double-double of the season with 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Bruce Brown led New Orleans with 18 points.
Veteran guard Elfrid Payton contributed 10 assists, highlighting a spirited performance by the Pelicans’ bench. However, New Orleans dropped to 1-3 in games without Williamson this season.
Key Moments
Golden State overcame a sluggish start, trailing by as many as 12 points in the first quarter. The Warriors seized control with an 8-0 run to open the third quarter, capped by 3-pointers from Curry and Brandin Podzienski.
A defining moment came in the fourth quarter when former Pelicans draft pick Buddy Hield drilled a 3-pointer while being fouled, converting a four-point play to extend Golden State’s lead to 100-85. This effectively dashed any hopes of a Pelicans comeback.
Key Stats
The Warriors started ice-cold from beyond the arc, missing 15 of their first 16 3-point attempts. However, they finished 13 of 55, enough to outlast a Pelicans squad that lacked firepower.
On the defensive end, Draymond Green fouled out with 3:15 remaining, underscoring Golden State’s aggressive play.
Takeaways
Warriors: Golden State’s depth and resilience proved critical in a game where their opponent was missing key players. Despite their slow start, the Warriors’ second-half adjustments ensured a comfortable win.
Pelicans: New Orleans’ competitive energy, driven by reserves, was commendable. Yves Missi’s consistent performance and Elfrid Payton’s playmaking were bright spots in an otherwise challenging matchup.
What’s Next
The Warriors (38-38) travel to San Antonio on Sunday to face the Spurs, seeking to improve their road trip record. The Pelicans (36-40) will return home to host the Charlotte Hornets, hoping to regroup and keep their playoff hopes alive.
