The Golden State Warriors entered their highway matchup towards the New Orleans Pelicans hoping to safe back-to-back wins for the primary time since mid-January.
Fresh off an emotional victory over the Denver Nuggets, Golden State aimed to construct momentum within the tightly contested Western Conference playoff race. Instead, the Pelicans capitalized on a depleted roster and escaped with a 113–109 victory.
Stephen Curry Injury and Roster Absences Take Toll
Injuries proceed to outline Golden State’s season. Stephen Curry missed his eighth straight recreation as a consequence of proper patellofemoral ache syndrome, stripping the offense of its main scoring engine and playmaker.
Jimmy Butler III stays sidelined following ACL surgical procedure, whereas Kristaps Porziņģis didn’t journey due to sickness. Veteran Al Horford sat for harm administration, and Seth Curry continues recovering from sciatic nerve irritation.
Although Draymond Green was listed as possible after a minor again flare-up, the Warriors clearly lacked full power. Still, Green performed in 32 minutes, scoring solely 11 factors and recording seven rebounds and 6 assists within the loss.
Dejounte Murray’s Return Lifts Pelicans
Despite carrying a 16–42 report, New Orleans entered the competition more healthy and extra balanced. Dejounte Murray made his long-awaited return from an Achilles rupture, stepping again onto the court docket for the primary time in almost 13 months.
The former Atlanta Hawks guard supplied each emotional vitality and backcourt stability, serving to the Pelicans shut out the tight contest. He scored 13 factors in 25 minutes in a Zion Williamson-led workforce. Williamson turned the highest scorer with 26 factors, six rebounds, and two steals.
Golden State fought till the ultimate possession, however the four-point loss exposes how skinny the margin has change into for a workforce making an attempt to remain afloat within the playoff image.
GSW to Focus on Memphis Next
The Warriors now flip their focus to a vital matchup towards the Memphis Grizzlies. Until Stephen Curry and different key items return, Golden State should lean on defensive self-discipline and roster depth to stay aggressive.
Steve Kerr is aware of the repercussions of getting a small-ball lineup. Several changes might be made as they face a Western workforce on Wednesday.
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