SAN FRANCISCO – Nicolo Melli couldn’t miss. After a rough first half for him and his team in general, Jrue Holiday couldn’t be stopped.
For one half of basketball Sunday, host Golden State looked like a real threat to continue its uncanny success against New Orleans this season. Ultimately however, New Orleans’ duo of Melli and Holiday restored order and thwarted an upset bid by the 12-win Warriors. Golden State led by 10 at intermission and was tied at 77 through three quarters, but Melli’s near-perfect three-point shooting and Holiday’s attacking offense pushed New Orleans into a comfortable lead.