Moses Moody scored a career-high 32 points, hitting eight 3-pointers, as the Golden State Warriors cruised to a 124-106 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday at the Smoothie King Center. The Warriors improved to 9-6, while New Orleans fell to 2-11 in James Borrego’s debut as interim head coach.
Jimmy Butler contributed 18 points and 10 assists, helping Golden State extend a second-half lead that reached 25 points. Brandin Podziemski added 19 points, Al Horford scored 11, and Draymond Green grabbed 10 rebounds during a game that also featured a brief confrontation between Green and a fan along the baseline.
The Warriors shot 42.9% from three-point range, with Moody leading the charge despite Stephen Curry struggling from deep, making just two of 11 attempts for nine points. Golden State opened with a 17-point first-quarter lead, fueled by Moody’s early barrage of seven 3-pointers.
The Pelicans fought back in the second quarter, closing to 53-49 following a 10-0 run capped by Herb Jones’ free throws. Trey Murphy III scored 20 points, Jose Alvarado had 18, and Jeremiah Fears added 17, but New Orleans could not overcome Golden State’s shooting and depth.
A key sequence occurred just before halftime when Butler’s steal and breakaway dunk extended the Warriors’ lead to 61-49. Green’s brief altercation with a fan near the baseline did not result in a foul or ejection, and the Warriors maintained momentum throughout the second half.
Golden State outscored New Orleans in every quarter except the second, shooting 46% from the field while the Pelicans made 46% but only 27.6% from three-point range. The Warriors dominated the boards with 47 rebounds and committed just 14 turnovers compared to New Orleans’ 20.
The victory sets up a Tuesday night matchup at Orlando, while the Pelicans host Oklahoma City on Monday. Moody’s performance highlights Golden State’s depth, showing the team can thrive even when Curry has an off night.
