The undermanned Golden State Warriors hosted the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday without Steph Curry, De’Anthony Melton and Andrew Wiggins. Dubs coach Steve Kerr also caused a buzz early on when he benched Jonathan Kuminga to start the game. Kerr had Draymond Green, Trayce Jackson-Davis, Moses Moody, Buddy Hield and Brandin Podziemski lined up for tip-off.
The Pelicans roared to a fiery start behind Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. They led 31-14 after one quarter but lost the next three periods 110-75. Lindy Waters III came off the bench to contribute 21 points, nine rebounds, four assists and one steal. Waters and Brandon Podziemski turned the game around for the Dubs.
Zion Williamson led all scorers with 31 points but also committed a game-high seven turnovers. New Orleans finished with 22 errors which resulted in 34 points for Golden State. The Warriors recovered from an inept start to win 124-106.
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New Orleans Pelicans vs Golden State Warriors player stats and box score
New Orleans Pelicans player stats and box score
Golden State Warriors player stats and box score
New Orleans Pelicans vs Golden State Warriors: Game Summary
Behind Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, who combined for 19 first-quarter points, the Pelicans led 31-14 after 12 minutes. The visitors' defense also contained the hosts to 6-for-24 shooting, including 2-for-13 from deep.
The Warriors turned the tables on the Pelicans in the second quarter. Lindy Waters III scored nine points to give the Dubs a boost. Gary Payton II also stepped up on offense and punched his weight defensively. After trailing by 17 points in the first quarter, they entered the halftime break facing a 51-47 deficit.
Lindy Waters III scored eight points in the third quarter. Together with Brandin Podziemski, they led the Dubs’ offensive punch in beating the Pelicans 40-28 in the period. Golden State’s defense, which had a horrible start, remained resolute in clamping down New Orleans. The Warriors took an 87-79 lead after three quarters.
The New Orleans Pelicans continued to shoot themselves in the foot with turnovers. They had nine in the fourth quarter alone, a big reason they couldn’t rally for a come-from-behind win.
Buddy Hield carried the Golden State Warriors in the period with several key shots. The hosts, after a lethargic start, pounded the Pelicans to win 124-106.
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