The Warriors unleashed one of their best Strength in Numbers regular season games on the eve of the return of DeMarcus Cousins
The Golden State Warriors overcame a spirited effort from the New Orleans Pelicans to win 147-140. It was a dramatic win as the Warriors overcame 17-point deficits in both the first and second halves to storm back for the victory.
Stephen Curry led all scorers with 41 points and drilled 9 shots from beyond the arc. Kevin Durantadded 30, and Klay Thompson had 17. Draymond Green had a monster game with 17 points, 14 assists, and 6 rebounds, and made 4-of-7 from downtown. Yes, that’s right folks, Green’s jump shot was on FIRE.
irst Half
Early on the Pellies were eager to push the pace, knowing the Warriors were fresh off of a track meet in Denver the night before. The Warriors were content to run as well, skipping out to a 21-14 advantage. Quickly though, their tired legs started to show as they failed to get into New Orleans’ shooters on the perimeter. The Pelicans hit six threes in the first quarter and raised out to a 39-31 lead after 12 minutes.
Soon that lead ballooned into 51-34 as Curry picked up his third foul with nine minutes to go in the second quarter. At that point it looked pretty bleak, but Kerr left his star guard in, and the Warriors began banding together on defense to get back into the game.
Nikola Mirotic was a problem, drilling the Dubs for 21 points with 4 triples early. Any daylight, and he was making them suffer.
Thompson and Durant paced the Dubs with 17 and 15 points respectively, while Curry added 12. Oh yeah, and Thompson did this.
Pelicans 71, Warriors 66
Second Half
The Warriors ceased chasing the Pelicans shooters off of the arc, and New Orleans made them suffer in the third.
The Pelicans lead ballooned back up to double digits...and then Curry activated “Unanimous” mode.
Andre Iguodala got a steal and a buzzer beating and-1 layup to end the third, and the fourth quarter began with a Warriors 110-109 lead. A 44 point third quarter from the champs...WOW.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr pulled Durant, Curry, and Draymond Green for the six minutes of the final stanza, and the Pelicans were unable to score much on the Klay + bench mob lineup. The score was 122-120 when the other big guns returned.
Kevon Looney was instrumental in gathering extra possessions, gobbling up key offensive rebounds and battling Anthony Davis to a standstill. As the Pelicans began to wilt down the stretch, Looneyimposed his will on both ends with his physicality.
Looney tied his career high of 12 rebounds with 6 of them being on the offensive glass. The Pelicans were strangled out in the final minutes and the Warriors pulled out a beautiful comeback.
Wellp...now we have concluded the Pre-Boogie Cousins-era.
LET THE FEEDING FRENZY COMMENCE!!!!!