The Golden State Warriors (4-1) secured their second consecutive victory over the New Orleans Pelicans (2-3), winning 104-89 on Wednesday night. Buddy Hield led the Warriors with 21 points while Trayce Jackson-Davis contributed 15 points and nine rebounds.
Stephen Curry missed his second straight game due to a left ankle injury and is set to be re-evaluated on Friday. Andrew Wiggins also sat out again due to low back tightness, prompting the Warriors to utilize a deep 12-man rotation.
Draymond Green provided a solid performance, scoring 14 points and dishing out six assists. Jackson-Davis has been efficient this season, shooting 22 for 27 (77.7%) through the first five games.
Jordan Hawkins was the standout for the Pelicans, scoring 23 points despite earlier back spasms. However, New Orleans struggled without guards CJ McCollum and Herb Jones, who are both sidelined due to injuries.
The Pelicans had a rough start, making just three of their first eleven shots. This poor shooting performance put them at a disadvantage early in the contest.
For Golden State, Brandin Podziemski stepped up in Curry’s absence, contributing 13 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists. He went down hard late in the game but continued to play.
The first quarter proved crucial for the Warriors. They established an early lead by making 12 of 23 shots (52.2%), taking control of the game early with a score of 28-20.
Zion Williamson, who scored a season-high 31 points in the previous game, was limited to just 12 points on 5-for-20 shooting. This drop in production highlighted Golden State’s defensive strategies.
The Pelicans’ depth was tested with several key players unavailable, impacting their overall performance. The team’s 89 points marked their lowest total this season.
Golden State’s bench also made significant contributions, with Jonathan Kuminga adding 16 points and Kyle Anderson contributing 10. This depth has been vital for the Warriors as they navigate injuries.
