Warriors Rally Without Curry, Butler Shines in Win Over Pelicans
UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown, the Golden State Warriors triumphed over the New Orleans Pelicans with a score of 104-96 on November 18, 2023, despite the absence of superstar Stephen Curry. The Warriors’ victory comes as they navigate a challenging stretch, now securing only their second win in the last six games.
Leading the charge for Golden State was Jimmy Butler, who delivered a stellar performance with 24 points, 10 assists, and 8 rebounds. His pivotal contributions were critical in compensating for Curry’s absence after he suffered a left quadriceps bruise on Wednesday against Houston.
The Pelicans were led by Zion Williamson, who scored 25 points on 8-for-16 shooting, alongside Saddiq Bey contributing 21 points. However, New Orleans struggled to maintain momentum, particularly with Trey Murphy sidelined due to right elbow soreness.
The game unfolded dramatically, with the Warriors initially faltering from beyond the arc, hitting just 1 for 19 on 3-point attempts to start. They finished the first half with a season-low 42 points, a performance that matched their worst shooting percentage in over three years under Coach Steve Kerr. Despite these challenges, they rallied in the second half to turn the game around.
Midway through the fourth quarter, Jonathan Kuminga, returning from a seven-game absence due to knee tendinitis, energized the crowd with back-to-back 3-pointers, finishing with 10 points. His return was met with loud cheers as he checked in at the 7:40 mark of the first quarter.
As the game heated up, tensions rose when Jeremiah Fears was ejected with 44.6 seconds left after receiving his second technical foul. This incident added to the drama but did not dampen the Warriors’ spirits.
Looking ahead, the Pelicans will face the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night, completing a road back-to-back. Meanwhile, the Warriors will host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night, aiming to build on this momentum from their latest victory.
This game not only highlights Butler’s leadership but also raises questions about the Warriors’ strategy moving forward without their star player. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as Golden State seeks to regain form in the coming matches.
Stay tuned for more updates as the NBA season unfolds.
