New Orleans Pelicans defeats Golden State Warriors 113-109
New Orleans Survives Warrior Comeback, Snags 113-109 Victory
The New Orleans Pelicans held off a furious fourth-quarter rally by the Golden State Warriors to secure a hard-fought 113-109 victory on Monday night at the Smoothie King Center. Despite a tightly contested final frame, the Pelicans managed to withstand the Warriors’ late push, fueled by strong performances from Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum. The win moves the Pelicans closer to solidifying their playoff positioning in the Western Conference.
Game Flow
The New Orleans Pelicans came out firing in the first quarter, establishing an early lead with dominant inside play and sharp shooting. Q1: 31-19. Golden State struggled to find their rhythm offensively, hampered by aggressive Pelicans defense. The second quarter saw the Warriors claw their way back into the game, tightening up their defense and finding some scoring momentum. Q2: 15-20. Stephen Curry sparked the Warriors’ comeback, but New Orleans managed to maintain a narrow lead at halftime.
The third quarter was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets. Q3: 31-33. Golden State continued to chip away at the deficit, with Draymond Green playing a key role in facilitating the offense. While the Warriors briefly tied the game, New Orleans answered with timely baskets, keeping the game tightly contested. The fourth quarter was an absolute nail-biter. Q4: 36-37. The Warriors took the lead several times, but the Pelicans responded with clutch shots from Ingram and McCollum. A key turning point came in the final minute with a critical steal by Herb Jones, leading to a fast-break layup by Ingram, giving New Orleans a two-possession lead they wouldn't relinquish. The Warriors had a last-second attempt to tie the game, but the shot fell short, securing the win for the Pelicans. Final: 113-109.
Highlight Players
Brandon Ingram: 32 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists - Ingram led the Pelicans with a masterful performance, showcasing his versatile scoring ability. He attacked the basket relentlessly, drawing fouls and finishing strong, while also knocking down key jump shots. Ingram's late-game heroics were crucial in securing the win, displaying his continued growth as a clutch performer. He shot 12-of-22 from the field, including 3-of-6 from three-point range.
CJ McCollum: 25 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists - McCollum provided a consistent scoring punch for the Pelicans, complementing Ingram's performance perfectly. He was effective both as a scorer and a playmaker, connecting with teammates for open looks and driving to the basket with confidence. His ability to create his own shot was particularly valuable, especially when the Warriors applied intense defensive pressure. McCollum was 9-of-19 from the field, with 4 three-pointers made.
Stephen Curry: 29 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists - Despite being on the losing side, Curry was the standout performer for the Warriors. He displayed his signature range and ball-handling skills, hitting difficult shots from all over the court. Curry's scoring kept the Warriors within striking distance throughout the game, but his efforts ultimately fell short against a determined Pelicans defense. He went 10-of-24 from the field, making 5 three-pointers.
Team Stats Breakdown
The New Orleans Pelicans demonstrated strong offensive efficiency, shooting FG% 51.5% from the field and capitalizing on their opportunities in the paint. They scored 58 points in the paint, highlighting their effective interior game. New Orleans also controlled the glass, grabbing 48 rebounds compared to Golden State's 40. They were efficient in their passing, racking up 28 assists. However, turnovers were a concern, with 16 giveaways.
The Golden State Warriors, while struggling with their shooting accuracy at FG% 44.2%, fought hard to stay in the game, largely due to Curry’s scoring. They managed 38 rebounds and recorded 26 assists, but struggled to contain the Pelicans’ interior offense. Their 12 turnovers proved costly. The Warriors scored 48 points in the paint. A notable statistic was the Pelicans' bench contributing 35 points compared to the Warriors' 25.
Next Game Preview
The New Orleans Pelicans will be back in action on Wednesday, February 26th, as they travel to take on the Utah Jazz. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:00 PM EST at the Delta Center. The Pelicans will look to continue their momentum against a Jazz team battling for a playoff spot in the Western Conference. Building on their strong offensive performance and defensive intensity will be key for the Pelicans to secure another victory on the road.