The Golden State Warriors found themselves in a challenging night against the New Orleans Pelicans, never quite seizing control despite some bright spots. The Warriors won the battle on the boards and saw De’Anthony Melton drop 28 points, but their struggles from beyond the arc and 21 turnovers told the story. Shooting a rough 11-for-45 from deep, they spent the majority of the game in catch-up mode, trailing for nearly the entire contest.
New Orleans didn't exactly light up the scoreboard either, but they were more consistent, especially in transition, where they doubled up the Warriors in fast-break points. In a matchup defined by missed opportunities and second chances, those small edges made all the difference.
Player Performances
De’Anthony Melton: A-
Melton was relentless, putting up 28 points and keeping the Warriors in the hunt during the second half.
He attacked the rim with purpose, drawing contact and getting to the line. Though his three-point shooting was off, his aggressive play was a beacon on a night when others struggled to generate offense.
Moses Moody: A-
Moody delivered his best offensive showing of the season with 24 points.
He shot with confidence, attacked closeouts, and consistently drove to the basket. His ability to draw fouls and his impressive +13 plus/minus were crucial in a game where efficient scoring was hard to come by.
Brandin Podziemski: A-
Podziemski was a force on the boards, snagging 15 rebounds as a guard-a testament to his effort and anticipation. While his outside shooting faltered, his hustle on defense and ability to create extra possessions kept the Warriors competitive.
Gui Santos: B
Santos filled the stat sheet with 15 points and 12 rebounds, showing high energy and defensive activity. However, his six turnovers were costly, particularly at key moments that could have shifted momentum.
Draymond Green: B
Draymond did what he does best, providing structure on both ends.
With 11 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists, he was pivotal in keeping the offense organized and added two blocks defensively. Yet, he couldn’t single-handedly lift the defense to overcome the Pelicans’ steady play.
Quinten Post: B-
Post was active on the glass, contributing nine rebounds that kept the game close. However, his missed perimeter shots, including four from beyond the arc, limited his scoring impact.
Pat Spencer: C
Spencer facilitated well with four assists, but his shot selection and turnovers hindered the offensive flow. While he showed defensive prowess, his overall contribution was below par.
Gary Payton II: C
Payton brought his trademark defensive energy, but his offensive struggles, especially from three-point range, allowed New Orleans to focus on clogging driving lanes. His hustle was evident, but the lack of scoring made his minutes challenging.
Will Richard: C-
Richard made his presence felt with two steals, but his offensive silence was glaring in a game that needed spacing. His -19 plus/minus reflected the tough stretch he and the team endured.
In the end, the Warriors’ inability to capitalize on their strengths and minimize mistakes left them chasing a game that slipped away, highlighting areas to tighten up as they look ahead.