Full Breakdown
Warriors Fall Short Against Pelicans in Injury-Plagued Matchup
2/25/2026, 9:30:07 AM
Game Overview: Warriors vs. Pelicans
On February 24, 2026, the Golden State Warriors faced off against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center, ultimately losing 113-109. The Warriors entered the game severely undermanned, missing key players including Stephen Curry, Kristaps Porzingis, and Jimmy Butler due to injuries. Despite a valiant effort, the Warriors could not overcome a poor start and a series of turnovers, leading to their defeat against a Pelicans team that has struggled throughout the season.
Key Events and Performance
The Warriors began the game sluggishly, falling behind 31-19 by the end of the first quarter. Coach Steve Kerr noted, “We did not execute very well offensively,” highlighting issues with spacing and missed opportunities. The team committed 21 turnovers, which the Pelicans converted into 18 points. De’Anthony Melton led the Warriors with a season-high 28 points, while Moses Moody contributed 24 points. Despite a late-game surge, the Warriors could not secure a win.
Zion Williamson was the standout for the Pelicans, scoring 26 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter. The Pelicans also welcomed back Dejounte Murray, who scored 13 points in his first game after a lengthy injury absence. The Pelicans managed to maintain their lead through critical moments, including a pivotal 15-3 run that thwarted the Warriors' comeback attempts.
Injury Impact and Team Dynamics
The Warriors' injury report was extensive, with Curry (right knee), Porzingis (illness), and Butler (ACL surgery) all sidelined. Al Horford and De’Anthony Melton were also questionable, with Horford ultimately resting for load management. This left the Warriors with only nine available players, forcing them to rely heavily on their bench. Draymond Green returned from injury but struggled offensively, finishing with limited impact.
In contrast, the Pelicans, despite their own injury woes, showcased a more cohesive performance. They capitalized on the Warriors' mistakes and maintained a slight edge in shooting accuracy, finishing the game with a 43% field goal percentage compared to the Warriors' 41.2%.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Steve Kerr expressed disappointment in his team's execution, stating, “The game was right there for us. We just couldn’t execute well enough.” He emphasized the need for better performance, especially given the team's injury situation. Meanwhile, Pelicans' interim coach James Borrego praised Murray's return, noting, “It speaks to his character, that he cares... He wants to be out there on the floor…to compete.”
Criticism & Opposition
Critics pointed out that the Warriors' inability to capitalize on their previous momentum from a win against the Denver Nuggets was concerning. The team's reliance on younger players in high-pressure situations raised questions about their depth and resilience moving forward. The Pelicans, while still struggling in the standings, demonstrated that they could compete effectively against a depleted roster.
What's Next for Both Teams
Following this matchup, the Warriors are set to face the Memphis Grizzlies, while the Pelicans will visit the Utah Jazz. The Warriors, now 30-28, must navigate their remaining games carefully to maintain playoff positioning, especially with their key players sidelined. The Pelicans, improving to 17-42, will look to build on this victory as they aim to finish the season on a positive note.
In summary, the Warriors' loss to the Pelicans underscored the challenges of competing without their star players, while the Pelicans capitalized on the opportunity to secure a much-needed win.
