Steph Curry, Warriors sink deeper into despair in 141-105 loss to Pelicans
The Dubs free fall continued in another lifeless loss, this time to the Pelicans.
The Golden State Warriors lost 141-105 to the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night. In the final matchup of a seven-game homestand, the Dubs were once again embarrassed. The Dubs seemed to be returning home with some positive momentum and an opportunity to string together some wins. Instead, they made sure the Chase Center crowd always left disappointed.
The Dubs went just 1-6 during the stretch, barely defeating the historically bad Detroit Pistons for their lone win. If Steve Kerr were nearly any other coach in the league, this stretch would be asking for a firing. With four championship rings, though, the conversation remains more complicated.
Golden State never led in the entire 48 minutes of regulation. The Pelicans, in fact, quickly pulled ahead, building a double-digit lead in the first quarter and never looked back. New Orleans led by as many as 41 points and after the first quarter never allowed the Warriors to pull within single digits.
Eight Pelicans players finished with at least 12 points, led by Jonas Valančiūnas who recorded 21 points and 9 rebounds. Zion Williamson tallied 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists. Guard Trey Murphy III added 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists alongside a wild +38 plus/minus.
For the Warriors, their starting backcourt of superstar Steph Curry and rookie Brandin Podziemski had a rough night. The sharpshooters struggled from the field and Curry was limited to just 15 points on 13 field-goal attempts. Podziemski managed to score just 2 points in more than 25 minutes and was a game-worst -31.
There were no bright spots for the Warriors, although there were some positive glimpses. Klay Thompson was good defensively and was efficient from the field. Jonathan Kuminga and Kevon Looney were both small net positives offensively. Off the bench, Moses Moody scored a game-high 21 points and rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis was 9-for-11 with 19 points.
The Warriors are a mess. There is no other way to put it. Now 17-20, the Dubs may be on the verge of welcoming Draymond Green back to the rotation, but even if he returns without missing a beat, it sure seems like something bigger is broken. The trade deadline is approaching. Kerr’s future is uncertain. It indeed may all be up to rookie general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. and what he and Joe Lacob decide to do in the coming months.