NEW ORLEANS -- Stephen Curry scored 23 points in his return from a two-game absence, leading the Golden State Warriors to a 111-95 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night at the Smoothie King Center. Coming back from a pelvic bruise sustained on March 20, Curry played 34 minutes, making 7 of 21 shots and hitting five 3-pointers, showcasing his crucial role in the Warriors' lineup.
Jimmy Butler contributed significantly with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Jonathan Kuminga added 16 points for the Warriors, who improved to 1-2 on a pivotal six-game road trip. This road stretch is critical as they aim to secure a top-six seeding in the Western Conference and avoid the play-in tournament.
The Pelicans, dealing with injuries to key players including Zion Williamson, who missed the game due to a lower back issue, fought hard but fell short. Bruce Brown led New Orleans with 18 points, and rookie center Yves Missi recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
New Orleans started strong, leading by as many as 12 points in the first quarter. However, the Warriors responded with an 8-0 run to open the third quarter, with Curry and Brandin Podzienski each hitting a three-pointer. Golden State maintained the lead for most of the second half, demonstrating resilience after a shaky start.
Takeaways from the game highlight the Warriors' struggle early on. They scored only 21 points in the first quarter, and it wasn't until the 4:51 mark of the second quarter that they took their first lead. Despite this, they found their rhythm, scoring 29 points in the second quarter and 33 in the third. The final quarter saw them outscore the Pelicans 28-13, sealing the win.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, particularly noting Curry's impact. "Having Steph back changes everything for us," Kerr said. "His ability to stretch the floor and create opportunities is invaluable, especially when we’re trying to find our footing in this tough stretch of the season."
Curry's return was not just about scoring; he also dished out a team-high six assists and recorded three steals, showcasing his all-around game. His performance was especially crucial given the Warriors' recent two-game losing streak, which had put them in a precarious position in the playoff race.
As the game progressed, the Warriors' defense tightened, forcing the Pelicans into 16 turnovers that resulted in 23 points for Golden State. This defensive intensity was a key factor in their ability to pull away in the second half.
However, the game wasn't without its concerns. Draymond Green fouled out with 3:15 remaining, and the Warriors' shooting from beyond the arc was troubling. They made only one of their first 16 three-point attempts before finishing the night with a dismal 23.6 percent shooting from three-point range (13 of 55). Curry, Post, and Buddy Hield were the only Warriors to make multiple threes, while the rest of the team struggled significantly.
Looking ahead, both teams are set to play again on Sunday. The Warriors will visit the San Antonio Spurs while the Pelicans host the Charlotte Hornets. For the Warriors, this victory provides a much-needed boost as they continue their fight for playoff positioning.
With the playoffs approaching, every game counts, and the Warriors will need to build on this performance to solidify their standing in the Western Conference. Curry's return is a positive sign, but the team will need to address their shooting woes if they hope to compete against stronger opponents in the upcoming matches.
In conclusion, the Warriors' victory over the Pelicans not only snapped their losing streak but also highlighted the importance of Curry's presence on the court. As they prepare for their next game, the focus will be on improving their shooting efficiency and maintaining the defensive intensity that proved pivotal in this win.
