Andrew Wiggins delivered a standout performance with 30 points to propel the Golden State Warriors to a 112-108 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night, clinching a spot in the NBA Cup knockout round. Stephen Curry added 19 points, and Buddy Hield sealed the win with two clutch free throws in the final seconds.
Despite a spirited effort, the injury-plagued Pelicans suffered their 10th loss in 11 games, putting them on a concerning 4-13 record. Trey Murphy III led New Orleans with 24 points but missed a potential go-ahead 3-pointer with 5 seconds left. Brandon Ingram contributed 18 points, while Brandon Boston Jr. added 16 in a game in which New Orleans continued to put out an injury-ridden squad.
There were some standout performers tonight but the Warriors demonstrated the collective effort that keeps them going in the inaugural NBA Cup.
Andrew Wiggins: A
Stats: 30 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 4 fouls, 2 turnovers, 9-14 FG, 3-5 3PT FG, 9-9 FT, 28 mins
Andrew Wiggins was the star of the night, finishing with an efficient 30 points while hitting all nine of his free throws and contributing defensively. His scoring versatility and clutch play elevated the Warriors in a crucial NBA Cup victory. Wiggins also showed poise in attacking the rim and drawing fouls, making the Pelicans pay from the stripe. He is having a strong bounce-back season and deserves major credit for improving his play after a tough season last year.
Stephen Curry: B+
Stats: 19 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 3 fouls, 4 turnovers, 6-13 FG, 4-7 3PT FG, 3-3 FT, 33 mins
Stephen Curry’s shooting (4-7 from deep) and all-around game (7 rebounds, 7 assists) helped steady the Warriors, even though his turnovers (4) slightly marred an otherwise solid performance. While he wasn’t as dominant scoring-wise as usual, Curry’s playmaking ensured his teammates stayed involved. His court vision helped generate open looks, even in a game where the Pelicans tightened up defensively.
Buddy Hield: B
Stats: 12 points, 6 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 3 fouls, 0 turnovers, 3-10 FG, 2-7 3PT FG, 4-4 FT, 19 mins
Buddy Hield struggled from the field (3-10 FG), but his clutch free throws sealed the win. His rebounding effort (6 boards) also added value in limited minutes. Despite his shooting woes, Hield stayed confident, keeping defenders honest with his off-ball movement. His ability to stretch the floor continued to create spacing for Wiggins and Curry to operate and that was his main role tonight.
Draymond Green: B
Stats: 11 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 2 fouls, 4 turnovers, 3-6 FG, 3-4 3PT FG, 2-6 FT, 30 mins
Draymond Green contributed across the board, hitting three triples and grabbing 8 rebounds. His leadership was key, but his missed free throws (2-6) and 4 turnovers held him back from a higher grade. Green’s defense and energy were crucial in key stretches, particularly when the Pelicans made runs. Not the best performance by Draymond but a solid one nonetheless.
Brandin Podziemski: C+
Stats: 11 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 0 fouls, 1 turnover, 5-11 FG, 0-5 3PT FG, 1-1 FT, 21 mins
Podziemski scored 11 points and added 5 rebounds and 3 assists, providing a spark off the bench despite struggling from three (0-5). He showed flashes of confidence attacking the basket and staying active on the boards. Although inconsistent, his hustle plays and ability to initiate offense were bright spots in his minutes.
Trayce Jackson-Davis: C+
Stats: 9 points, 8 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, 1 block, 0 fouls, 0 turnovers, 4-9 FG, 0-1 3PT FG, 1-2 FT, 18 mins
Jackson-Davis posted 9 points and 8 rebounds, making his presence felt around the rim. He played with hustle and physicality, showcasing his ability to impact the game in the paint. Though still raw, his activity on both ends of the court provided valuable minutes in relief of Kevon Looney.
Kevon Looney: C+
4 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 2 fouls, 0 turnovers, 2-2 FG, 0-0 3PT FG, 0-0 FT, 14 mins
Kevon Looney finished with 4 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists in 14 minutes, providing his usual steady presence in the paint. His screen-setting and rebounding were crucial for the Warriors’ offensive flow. While he didn’t stuff the stat sheet, Looney’s physicality against New Orleans’ bigs was important in limiting their interior scoring.
Lindy Waters III: C
Stats: 0 points, 0 rebounds, 2 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 1 foul, 1 turnover, 0-3 FG, 0-3 3PT FG, 0-0 FT, 15 mins
Waters struggled mightily, going scoreless on 0-3 shooting while adding 2 assists and 1 turnover. His impact was minimal, as he couldn’t find a rhythm offensively or make a significant defensive contribution. Despite the poor performance, he kept spacing the floor and made effort plays to stay engaged.
Jonathan Kuminga: C
Stats: 7 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 0 steals, 1 block, 1 foul, 1 turnover, 3-10 FG, 0-2 3PT FG, 1-2 FT, 20 mins
Kuminga had an inefficient night, scoring 7 points on 3-10 shooting while adding 4 rebounds and 2 assists. His energy on defense and rebounding kept him involved, but he lacked consistency on offense. As the Warriors rely on his growth, Kuminga’s decision-making and shot selection remain areas for improvement.
Gary Payton II: C
Stats: 4 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 2 steals, 0 blocks, 1 foul, 0 turnovers, 2-4 FG, 0-1 3PT FG, 0-0 FT, 16 mins
Payton contributed 4 points, 2 steals, and solid defense in his 16 minutes. While he didn’t light up the scoreboard, his ability to disrupt passing lanes was valuable. Payton’s energy off the bench helped spark the team during defensive stretches, but his offensive impact was limited.
Moses Moody: C
Stats: 3 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 0 steals, 1 block, 2 fouls, 0 turnovers, 1-4 FG, 0-2 3PT FG, 1-1 FT, 20 mins
Moses Moody struggled to find his shot, finishing with 3 points on 1-4 shooting and 2 rebounds. He stayed active defensively and contributed a block, but his offensive impact was minimal. Moody’s confidence remains a work in progress, but his effort on both ends was commendable despite limited production.
Kyle Anderson: N/A
Stats: 2 points, 1 rebound, 0 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 0 fouls, 3 turnovers, 1-1 FG, 0-0 3PT FG, 0-1 FT, 5 mins
Anderson only logged five minutes, scoring 2 points with 1 rebound but committing 3 turnovers. His brief stint was marked by sloppy play, making it difficult to gauge his impact. As a veteran, Anderson will need to make steadier contributions to future outings which he probably will accomplish.
