NEW ORLEANS -- The Golden State Warriors secured a much-needed victory on Friday night, defeating the New Orleans Pelicans 111-95. The win came as a relief for the Warriors, who entered the game on a two-game losing streak, largely due to the absence of their star guard, Stephen Curry.
Curry made a triumphant return after missing two games with a pelvic bruise, scoring 23 points and playing 34 minutes. Despite shooting only 7 of 21 from the field, the two-time MVP showcased his playmaking ability, hitting five three-pointers and contributing significantly to the Warriors' offense.
"It felt great to be back out there with my teammates," Curry said after the game. "We needed this win to keep our momentum going on the road trip, and I'm glad we were able to pull it off."
The Warriors' offensive performance was a mixed bag, as they struggled from beyond the arc early on. They missed their first 10 three-point attempts and finished the night 13 of 55 from deep. However, they found their rhythm in the second half, opening the third quarter with an impressive 20-9 run that put them in control of the game.
Jimmy Butler also had a standout performance, contributing 18 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists. His strong showing helped him make franchise history, as he became the fastest player in Warriors history to record over 350 points, 100 rebounds, and 100 assists, achieving this milestone in just 21 games with the team.
"Jimmy's been a huge addition for us," Curry noted. "His ability to score and rebound has really helped us, especially in tight games like this one."
The Pelicans, meanwhile, were severely shorthanded, missing four starters, including their star player, Zion Williamson, who was sidelined with a lower back injury. Despite their challenges, the Pelicans managed to take an early lead, going up by as many as 12 points in the first quarter.
Bruce Brown led New Orleans with 18 points, while rookie center Yves Missi added a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. The Pelicans fought hard but ultimately could not keep pace with the Warriors' second-half surge.
"We played with heart, but it just wasn't enough against a team like Golden State," Brown said. "We have to keep our heads up and focus on the next game."
As the game progressed, the Warriors began to find their defensive footing, committing only two turnovers in the second half. This marked a significant improvement from the first half, where both teams combined for 17 turnovers and 19 fouls. Draymond Green, who fouled out with 3:15 remaining, was a key defensive presence for Golden State throughout the game.
"This was a big game for us, especially with the playoff race tightening up," Green said. "We needed to show that we can compete, even when things aren't going perfectly."
Looking ahead, both teams are set to play again on Sunday, March 30, 2025. The Warriors will visit the San Antonio Spurs, while the Pelicans will host the Charlotte Hornets. As the season winds down, every game becomes crucial for teams jockeying for playoff positioning.
With the win, the Warriors improved their record to 42-31, keeping them in contention for a top-six seed in the Western Conference. The victory also highlighted the effectiveness of the Curry-Butler duo, which now boasts a remarkable 16-2 record when both players are on the court together.
As the Warriors continue their six-game road trip, they will need to build on this momentum to solidify their playoff aspirations. Coach Steve Kerr emphasized the importance of this victory, calling it one of the biggest games of the season leading up to Friday night.
"We can't afford to spiral at this point in the season, especially with how tight the standings are," Kerr remarked. "This win gives us a chance to reset and focus on what we need to do moving forward."
In summary, the Warriors' victory over the Pelicans not only marked a successful return for Curry but also reinforced their position in the playoff race. With key games ahead, Golden State will look to leverage their recent success as they push towards the postseason.
