Warriors Stage Impressive Comeback to Defeat Pelicans 124-106

Golden State Warriors’ Buddy Hield delivered a season-high performance of 28 points, while Brandin Podziemski contributed 19 points, helping to orchestrate a spirited second-half recovery. Despite an early 20-point deficit, the Warriors stormed back to overpower the New Orleans Pelicans 124-106 on Tuesday night.

Sterling Performances on Both Ends

Zion Williamson led the charge for the Pelicans, recording a season-best 31 points, shooting 12-for-20 and adding eight rebounds. Brandon Ingram also had an impressive night with 30 points.

Meanwhile, Jonathan Kuminga, a starter in the Warriors’ first three games but with an average of 8.0 points on 33.3% shooting, emerged from the bench to contribute 17 points. Lindy Waters III, coming off the bench, had his best game so far for the Warriors, recording 21 points and nine rebounds.

Warriors Overcome Injury Challenges

The Warriors, sans starters Stephen Curry and Andrew Wiggins, proved their depth and resilience. Curry, who sprained his left ankle in the second half of Sunday’s 112-104 loss to the Clippers, sat out the game. His status will be reassessed on Friday. Both Wiggins and De’Anthony Melton were absent due to lower back strains. Wiggins’ participation in the rematch with the Pelicans on Wednesday night remains uncertain, according to Coach Steve Kerr.

Key Takeaways and Turning Points

Despite the Pelicans’ 44-34 rebounding advantage, the Warriors managed to restrict their turnovers to eight, a considerable improvement from their 21 turnovers on Sunday. They also forced the Pelicans into 24 turnovers for 34 points, making 15 steals.

The Warriors managed to recover from a dismal opening quarter, where they shot 5 for 23, including a 2 of 13 from the 3-point line, trailing behind 31-14. The turning point came when Podziemski sank a 3-pointer with 8:22 left in the third quarter, tying the game. His subsequent score ignited the Warriors’ surge to a 71-67 lead, a position they maintained till the end.

Notable Statistic: Hield’s Comeback

Hield, returning to the starting lineup, shrugged off a slow start to net seven 3-pointers, a vast improvement from his disappointing home debut on Sunday, where he missed 8 of 9 3-point attempts and scored just eight points.