Full Breakdown
Warriors Secure Victory Over Pelicans Despite Curry's Absence
11/30/2025, 1:46:06 PM
Game Overview
On Saturday night, the Golden State Warriors defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 104-96 at Chase Center in San Francisco. The victory came without star player Stephen Curry, who was sidelined due to a bruised left quadriceps muscle sustained in a previous game against the Houston Rockets. Jimmy Butler led the Warriors with 24 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds, showcasing his pivotal role in the team's offense.
Key Performers
Zion Williamson was the standout for the Pelicans, scoring 25 points on 8-for-16 shooting, while Saddiq Bey contributed 21 points. Jeremiah Fears added 16 points before being ejected late in the game. For the Warriors, Gary Payton II also had a significant impact, scoring 19 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Jonathan Kuminga, returning from a seven-game absence due to knee tendinitis, scored 10 points, including two crucial three-pointers in the fourth quarter.
Offensive Struggles
The Warriors faced considerable challenges offensively, particularly in the first half. They started the game with a dismal 1-for-19 from three-point range and finished the first half with only 42 points, their lowest first-half total of the season. The team shot 40.9% overall and 25.5% from beyond the arc, reflecting their struggles without Curry's scoring ability. In contrast, the Pelicans managed to keep pace, with both teams shooting 33.3% from the field in the first half.
Momentum Shifts
Despite their early struggles, the Warriors regained momentum in the second half. They outscored the Pelicans in the third quarter, with Brandin Podziemski contributing 10 points. A pivotal moment occurred with under four minutes remaining when Podziemski hit a crucial three-pointer, followed by a dunk from Payton, which helped the Warriors secure the lead and ultimately the victory.
Criticism of Performance
While the Warriors emerged victorious, their performance raised concerns. Analysts noted that the team's offensive execution was lacking, particularly in the absence of Curry. Draymond Green's performance was particularly scrutinized, as he failed to score from the field, missing all nine of his shot attempts. The overall offensive rating of the team was deemed low, prompting discussions about the need for improvement moving forward.
Official Statements & Responses
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr acknowledged the team's struggles but emphasized the importance of the win, especially without Curry. He noted, "We found a way to win, and that's what matters." Meanwhile, Pelicans coach James Borrego praised his team's effort but recognized the need for better execution in critical moments.
What's Next
The Warriors will host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night, while the Pelicans will visit the Los Angeles Lakers for a back-to-back matchup. Both teams will look to build on their performances as the season progresses.
