Warriors (1-1), Pelicans (0-2)
For a quarter-plus Friday, a national TV audience and sellout crowd in the Smoothie King Center witnessed some of New Orleans’ talent and potential, as the Pelicans built a 15-point lead over the NBA champion Warriors. As is often the case when facing Golden State, however, it’s much easier to play well for a half of basketball than it is to sustain that over 48 minutes.
The Warriors methodically sliced into their early deficit, then wore down the Pelicans in the second half en route to an eight-point victory. New Orleans shot lights-out prior to intermission, but cooled significantly after the break.