Basketball

Golden State Triumphs Over Pelicans Again: A Stellar Performance Despite Key Absences

Golden State Warriors
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Warriors Reign Supreme Over Pelicans in Back-to-Back Victory

Buddy Hield once again shone brightly with 21 points while Trayce Jackson-Davis showcased his prowess with 15 points and nine rebounds. The Golden State Warriors demonstrated their dominance over the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night, taking home the victory for the second time in a row with a solid 104-89 scoreline. Despite the absence of Stephen Curry due to a left ankle injury, Golden State’s 12-man rotation stepped up, with multiple players making significant contributions to the win.

Warriors’ Resilience Amidst Absences and Injuries

Curry, a key player for Golden State, missed the game for the second consecutive time due to an ankle injury. Andrew Wiggins also had to sit out both games due to low back tightness. However, their absence didn’t hamper the team’s performance. Draymond Green stepped up, scoring 14 points and providing six assists. Jackson-Davis also delivered an impressive performance, shooting 22 for 27 (77.7%) over the first five games.

Pelicans Struggle Without Key Guards

The Pelicans were forced to play without the services of guards CJ McCollum and Herb Jones. McCollum is expected to undergo imaging for his sore right adductor muscle, while Jones also awaits the result of imaging tests. Despite these hurdles, Jordan Hawkins put up a brave fight, scoring 23 points despite earlier back spasms. He managed to finish 9 of 21 from the field with four 3-pointers.

Golden State Takes Early Control

Unlike the previous game where they had to chase an early 20-point lead, the Warriors took control from the start this time by sinking 12 of their 23 shots (52.2%) in the first quarter to lead 28-20.

Key Players Underperform

Zion Williamson, usually a significant contributor for the Pelicans, had a slow night, managing only 12 points on 5-for-20 shooting, although he did contribute 12 rebounds. This performance was a sharp contrast to his season-high 31 points in the previous game.

Looking Forward

The Pelicans will host Indiana on Friday, marking the start of a four-game homestand. Meanwhile, the Warriors are set to embark on a five-game road trip, starting Saturday at Houston. Their next home game on Nov. 12 is eagerly anticipated as it marks the return of Klay Thompson with the Mavericks.

Wei Zhang is a dedicated sports writer specializing in basketball and esports. With a background in both traditional and digital sports, Wei provides a unique perspective that bridges the gap between generations of fans. His analytical approach and passion for strategy make his work particularly engaging for readers who love the intricacies of the game. Outside of writing, Wei is an avid gamer who enjoys competing in local tournaments.

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