Pelicans Edge Past Warriors in Thrilling Matchup
In a thrilling matchup on Tuesday evening, the New Orleans Pelicans edged past the Golden State Warriors with a score of 113-109, showcasing strong performances from key players. Zion Williamson led the charge for New Orleans, contributing 26 points, while Dejounte Murray, making a much-anticipated return after nearly 13 months on the sidelines, added 13 points to the scoreboard.
Murray’s Pivotal Return
Murray’s return from a ruptured Achilles tendon, which sidelined him since a game against Boston on January 31, 2025, proved pivotal as he made significant plays, including a crucial driving layup that extended the Pelicans’ lead to 109-104 with just over a minute remaining. Despite being inherent to the team’s success, he did experience some struggles, committing five turnovers during his 25 minutes on the court.
Warriors’ Struggles Without Key Players
The Warriors, however, came into the game undermanned, missing star player Stephen Curry due to a right knee injury, alongside Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford. This absence was felt as they relied heavily on De’Anthony Melton and Moses Moody to shoulder the scoring responsibilities. Melton led the Warriors with a season-high 28 points, though he missed a critical free throw when the deficit was just four points late in the game. Moody contributed 24 points, but ultimately, the team fell short, marking their third loss in four outings.
Key Moments in the Game
Further contributing to the Pelicans’ win, Saddiq Bey made a dramatic reverse layup that rolled off the glass while being fouled, pushing their lead to 107-101 with just 1:47 remaining in the game. Jordan Poole, a former Warrior now with New Orleans, chipped in 12 points, helping the Pelicans secure their second consecutive victory and their fourth win in the last six contests.
Warriors’ Performance Analysis
Although the Warriors dominated the boards, claiming a 59-53 advantage in rebounds and scoring 58 points in the paint, their performance from beyond the arc was notably poor, sinking only 24.4% of 3-point attempts (11 of 45).
Looking Ahead
The Pelicans are set to continue their road trip against the Utah Jazz on Thursday, while the Warriors will face the Memphis Grizzlies in their next outing. With the season still in play, both teams are looking to strengthen their standings as they tackle injuries and strategize for upcoming games.
