Golden State Warriors Dominate New Orleans Pelicans Despite Klay and Kuminga Out With Injuries
The Golden State Warriors went up against the New Orleans Pelicans last night, looking to win three road games in a row for the first time in over a year. Thanks in large part to Steph Curry, they were able to come away with a dominant victory, winning 130-102. Draymond Green, Klay Thompson and Jonathan Kuminga were questionable to play before the game, and only Green was able to suit up. Head Coach Steve Kerr had a big decision to make, does he insert CP3 back into the starting lineup with Klay out, or does he plug someone else in and keep CP3 rolling with the second unit. He opted for the ladder, plugging third year wing Moses Moody into the starting lineup. It proved to be a great decision, as he too had an excellent outing.
Steph started the game on an absolute heater, accounting for 16 of the Warrior’s first 18 points. These were no easy buckets either, he hit multiple deep jumpers off the dribble or with hands in his face. Unfortunately, the Pelicans were firing on all cylinders as well. When Steph checked out of the game with just over two minutes left in the quarter, the Warriors were down 21-20. Pelicans rookie and reigning NCAA National Champion Jordan Hawkins got his first start of his career with Brandon Ingram out and played well, knocking down several jump shots. Sharpshooter Matt Ryan also found his rhythm in the first quarter, hitting two big shots on consecutive possessions. With the shot clock turned off and the Warriors with the ball, CP3 knocked down his first three of the season to give the Warriors a 29-27 lead going into the second period. The majority of the second quarter was won by Golden State, as they got up by as much as seven after a nifty Curry floater and then eight later after Draymond got to the rack for two. But the last 90 seconds were disastrous as CJ McCollum cashed in a three followed by a Jordan Hawkins three and then another CJ midrange jay to bring the score to 59-57 at the break.
The Dubs came out with some energy as Wiggins cashed in a deep ball sandwiched by two Curry treys. The second Curry three led to a technical foul called on Pelicans Head Coach Willie Green as Curry seemed to have stuck his leg out to trip the defender flying by on a close out. A minute later Curry got Herb Jones to jump in the air on a pump fake and drew a foul leading to Jones getting T’d up himself. And just like that the Warriors had an 11 point advantage. The ensuing couple minutes were back and forth with quality shot making on both ends of the floor. With 3:52 on the clock, Kira Lewis Jr. finished an and-1 to cut the Pelicans deficit to 8 points, 85-77. From that point on, it was all Golden State. Chris Paul knocked down three jumpers, Trayce Jackson-Davis had two nice finishes at the rim, Saric put up two points and Podziemski hit a free throw resulting in a 13-1 run by the Dubs. With one quarter to go, the Warriors sat comfortably with a 98-78 lead. Kerr left the bench unit out there to start the fourth but didn’t take any chances and with 9:37 to go, subbed Curry and Dray back in. Steph immediately took over the game hitting a mid range jay, followed by a deep 30 foot three, and then an insane step back corner jumper over two defenders. The Pelicans continued to fight with Zion Williamson getting to the rack for two and Valanciunas getting a few put backs, but a Steph layup and subsequent 32 foot trey giving the Warriors a 120-92 lead put the game on ice and it was officially garbage time. Both coaches emptied their benches and the Warriors grabbed their third win of the season, moving to 3-1.
Curry recorded his second 40 ball of the season including 7 threes, bringing his season average to 33.5. He also added 5 dimes and 5 boards while his backcourt mate Moses Moody had 13 points with 4 assists and 3 boards. No other starter was in double figures but Dray had a solid game with 6 points, 7 assists and 6 boards. Off the bench, CP3 had his best game yet, going 6-10 with 13 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis also had 13 points, granted some came in garbage time. And Gary Payton continued his good play with 10 points on a 4-10 clip. For New Orleans, nobody really stood out. Zion and CJ each had 19, while Hawkins and Valanciunas put up 14 and 11 respectively. Matt Ryan came off the bench and shot the ball well, going 4-9 and 3-7 from deep resulting in 12 points.
It was a very inspiring win for Golden State as they beat a respectable Pelicans squad without two important pieces in Klay and Kuminga. They held New Orleans to 25% from deep, and substantially out rebounded them 64-39. These two things are a recipe for success and will almost always result in a win if they keep it up. The turnovers weren’t a huge issue, they gave it up 14 times but also forced 11 turnovers. It is definitely something they should continue to work on but 14 isn’t the end of the world. Finally, the Dubs led the league in assists last year and they continue to pile them up, finishing with 28 last night. The addition of CP3 has been huge so far, as he is leading the second unit and creating offense for the team while Curry catches his breath.
The Warriors will fly home and prepare for a Wednesday night tilt against the Sacramento Kings. Fortunately for Golden State, Kings superstar De’Aaron Fox will not play as he is dealing with an ankle injury and is out for a few games. With the home crowd behind them, and a Fox-less Sacramento squad, the Dubs should have no trouble picking up another win here. I predict they win the game 127-105, with a big game coming from Klay after he has had several days to rest.