The Warriors are coming off a convincing win against the Pelicans
Both teams start the match with less than 25% success. Without Stephen Curry, alone Jimmy Butler manages to work well. Upon his release, the Warriors’ offense faltered despite the comeback Jonathan Cumminga (10 points). The Pelicans, thanks to an offensive jump from the so far transparent Zion Williamson (25 points, 7 rebounds), took the lead at the buzzer of the first quarter (18-17).
The Chase center with the same intensity as the two teams raises its voice on the high post and the shot of their former favorite Kevon Looney, but New Orleans goes to +10 (29-19). Steve Kerr then tried to play “small”, without any interior, and the Warriors proved him right. After the defensive activity of Gary Peyton II, Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody (11 points), Golden State revives. They outscored the Pelicans 19-4, and twelve points from GP2 gave them an advantage at the break (42-38).
Jimmy Butler is essential
While the Dubs seem to have the upper hand, the Pelicans are not giving up. Sadiq Bey (19 points, 7 assists) and Zion Williamson took advantage of Golden State’s change in concentration and went on a 7-0 run that put New Orleans ahead (62-61). Brandin Podziemski (15 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds) and Buddy Hield are the ones who wake up the Warriors, but before the last quarter everything remains to be done (73-72).
Three consecutive winning shots by Will Richard and Jonathan Cuminga give Golden State the lead, but Jeremiah Fears (16 points) and Sadiq Bey respond and keep the Pelicans in ambush (87-86).
It took three quick defensive sequences from Draymond Green on Zion Williamson to see the Warriors in coverage. His two defensive stops turned into a dunk, a layup and a Gary Payton II 3-pointer, served up by Jimmy Butler to cap a 12-0 run that gave Golden State the win.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– Butler – Payton – the trio makes the difference. Already defeated once by the Kings, Pacers, Bucks and twice by the Blazers, four teams with a 50% winning percentage, the Warriors had a scare against the worst team in the Western Conference. Trailing by one point with four minutes to play, the trio took the match into their own hands to avoid a lopsided defeat. Draymond Green was uncompromising on defense. Jimmy Butler controlled every offensive possession and Gary Payton II often found himself at the goal line to make New Orleans’ defense pay. Thanks to them, Golden State finished the match with a decisive 14-2.
– Pelicans are still in trouble. Still without Jordan Poole, Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones, New Orleans continues to develop basketball that is difficult to watch. In this slump, Zion Williamson has been particularly disappointing. Although he finished the game with 25 points, he did not make a difference in the game. Sadiq Bey and Jeremiah Fears seem more invested in their team’s play than he is.
– A discreet comeback for Jonathan Cumminga. After missing the last seven matches, the Congolese returned last night. The winger scored 10 points in 19 minutes of play. Logically, he lacked rhythm for this first match and did not weigh much in the match. He grabbed just one rebound and was often outplayed by Sadiq Bey on defense. With Stephen Curry missing a few games, the Warriors will need a more aggressive Cummings, especially against stronger opponents than the Pelicans.
2025-11-30 05:49:00
