Steph's Back, and the Warriors are Feeling it!
Friday night's game against the New Orleans Pelicans? Let's just say it was a wild one. The Warriors ended up winning 111-95, but it wasn't exactly a walk in the park. Steph Curry's return after a two-game absence was a huge factor, and the fourth quarter was, well, dramatic to say the least.
A Seriously Undermanned Pelicans Team
The Pelicans were missing, like, almost their entire starting lineup. Seriously, it was brutal. They were facing a real uphill battle against a fully-loaded (or close to it) Warriors team. And yet, they hung tough! They even had a 12-point lead at one point. Honestly, who saw that coming? That shows a lot about the grit of their younger players, and their potential for the future.
The Fourth Quarter Frenzy
Then came the fourth quarter. You know how sometimes things just spiral? That's what happened. The Warriors went on a crazy 28-13 run. It was like watching a switch flip. One minute the Pelicans were in control, the next, it was all Golden State. Steph's presence on the court, even without a typical Curry explosion (23 points this time), made a massive difference. His energy was contagious, and you could feel the shift in momentum.
Star Performances and Surprising Standouts
While Steph was definitely the highlight for the Warriors, let's give some love to Jimmy Butler III, who dropped 18 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Seriously consistent. On the Pelicans side, rookie Karlo Matkovic had a fantastic game, scoring 10 points in just 20 minutes! An impressive 71.4% field goal percentage for the young guy. He's definitely one to watch next season.
What This Win Means
This win was huge for the Warriors' playoff hopes. They're now at 42-31. For the Pelicans, it’s a tough one, putting them at 20-54. Injuries have really hit them hard this year. The game really highlighted the importance of having a deep bench and, of course, the impact a superstar's return can have.
A Night of Triumph and Perseverance
In the end, the Warriors’ victory was a testament to their strength and depth. The Pelicans fought hard, despite everything they were up against. It was a game that showed both sides of the coin – the thrill of victory and the grace in defeat. The NBA is a crazy rollercoaster, and this game was a prime example. Stay tuned for more exciting (and maybe less nail-biting) games!
