The New Orleans Pelicans leaned on Zion Williamson’s fourth-quarter surge to secure a 113-109 victory over the injury-depleted Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night at Smoothie King Center.
Williamson finished with 26 points on 11-of-21 shooting and scored 10 in the final period. He also made his first 3-pointer of the season, having attempted only three prior to Tuesday’s game.
New Orleans won its second straight and fourth in six games despite being outrebounded 59-53. The Pelicans shot 43-of-101 from the field and committed 17 turnovers but delivered in key late-game possessions.
Dejounte Murray returned after nearly 13 months sidelined by a ruptured right Achilles tendon suffered on Jan. 31, 2025, against Boston. He scored 13 points in about 25 minutes, including a driving layup with 1:04 left that pushed the lead to 109-104.
Murray added three assists, two rebounds and a steal, though he also had five turnovers. His presence stabilized the backcourt in critical stretches.
Saddiq Bey contributed 18 points and provided a pivotal moment with a spinning reverse layup through contact that made it 107-101 with 1:47 remaining. Jordan Poole added 12 points off the bench against his former club.
Golden State stayed within reach despite missing Stephen Curry (right knee), Kristaps Porzingis (illness) and Al Horford (left toe).
De’Anthony Melton led the visitors with a season-high 28 points on 8-of-20 shooting and 9-of-11 from the line. He missed a free throw with 1:23 left and the deficit at four.
Moses Moody scored 24 points, while Brandin Podziemski added 16 and 15 rebounds. Gui Santos chipped in 15 points and 12 boards as Golden State dominated the glass and produced 24 second-chance points.
The Warriors struggled from beyond the arc, making 11 of 45 attempts for 24.4%. Their 58 points in the paint kept pressure on New Orleans’ interior defense.
The Pelicans countered with 12 steals and nine blocks, disrupting rhythm in the half court. They limited transition opportunities late and converted enough free throws to close out the game.
Golden State has now lost three of four. The Warriors visit Memphis on Wednesday, while New Orleans travels to Utah on Thursday.
