Warriors Return to Form in Win Over Pelicans

The final score reflects a game closer than it really was. Golden State led the Pelicans by double digits throughout most of the second half, including a 29 point advantage late in the 4th quarter. It was a wire-to-wire victory for the Dubs who, ironically, had not held the lead once before this game.

“We never had a chance to win, that’s the most disturbing part to me,” said Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry after the game. “Especially at home”.

Heartbeat of the Warriors

The most significant difference for the Warriors was the impact of Draymond Green. Social media swarmed Green for his lack of aggressiveness in his first two games this season. He quickly turned things around, recording a triple-double on 16 points, 17 rebounds, and ten assists. 

“The first two games I didn’t set a good tempo,” said Green after the win. He also admitted to some poor leadership of the younger Warriors members throughout last week. “I think the first couple games I led them the wrong way”.

Warriors fans must have been happy to see the effectiveness of the Steph Curry and Draymond high pick and roll. This was something many felt Golden State did not do nearly enough of against the Clippers and Thunder. Tonight, however, they abused the New Orleans defense on multiple occasions. 

D-Lo

D’Angelo Russell, the man who is supposed to shoulder some of the scoring load while Klay Thompson is out, had his best game of the new campaign. D-Lo poured in 24 points and racked up seven assists while looking much more comfortable in the offense. The chemistry between Curry and Russell also hit its best point of the season. Evident in this sequence in the 4th quarter.

Glass Eaters

What doomed the Pelicans was the difference on the boards. Golden State out-rebounded New Orleans 61-41, including a 19-11 advantage on the offensive glass. The Warriors had four players with three offensive rebounds or more. The Pelicans had just one. That’s not great considering the tallest player in the Warriors starting lineup was 6’6”.

House of Bricks

Three-point specialist J.J. Reddick had his worst offensive night of the season, shooting just 1-10 from the floor and 1-9 from deep. Reddick doesn’t have many nights like this. However, when he does, it really limits the spacing with the Pelicans offense. 

Brandon Ingram

One bright spot for New Orleans was Brandon Ingram, who continues his hot start to the year. He’s recorded 20 or more points through his first four games, including a 27 point performance against the Warriors. He also gave the Smoothie King Center the highlight of the night with this monstrous slam over Warriors rookie Jordan Poole.

More Pelican Positives

New Orleans rookie Jaxson Hayes logged his first minutes this season, albeit in garbage time. Regardless, the rookie scored 19 points on an efficient 9-11 from the field. Another rookie, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, also set a new personal high with 15 points. 

Young Warriors

Golden State received quality minutes from some of their younger guys, something that is sure to be pleasing to Draymond Green. Damion Lee, who wants to be known for being more than Steph Curry’s brother-in-law, made his presence known with a 23 point outing off the bench. The aforementioned rookie Jordan Poole, despite being on the wrong end of a poster, was 3-5 from three-point land and put in 13 points.

Looking Ahead

The Pelicans were without three of their starters in tonight’s game and will look to have two of them back soon. Jrue Holiday and Derrick Favors remain day-to-day, both dealing with knee injuries. New Orleans has two days off before hosting the Denver Nuggets Thursday night.

For Golden State, they await the return of a couple of key injured men as well. Kevon Looney is day-to-day with a nagging hamstring injury, while Alec Burks (ankle) and Willie Cauley-Stein (foot) could be sidelined a few more games. Also, second-year guard Jacob Evans played just three minutes before leaving with a left adductor strain, according to Kerith Burke of NBCS Authentic. He is listed as day-to-day. The Warriors return to San Francisco on Wednesday night to play the Phoenix Suns.