New Orleans Pelicans Rout Golden State Warriors For Seventh-Straight Road Victory

The Pelicans beat the Warriors handily on Wednesday, marking one of the worst defeats at home in Golden State history.

The New Orleans Pelicans routed the Golden State Warriors 141-105 in a wire-to-wire victory to improve to 23-15 on the season.  New Orleans never trailed and for the second straight game, blew out a formidable Western Conference team on the road.  Only this time, the Pelicans had Zion Williamson on the floor who returned from a leg contusion injury.  

New Orleans started the game looking like a team poised to win its seventh straight road game. The Pels defense forced two turnovers on the Warriors' first two possessions and made 5/7 three-point shots to start the game. 

New Orleans led 15-4 before Golden State used an early timeout. The offensive onslaught continued for the Pels as they tied a franchise record with 46 points in the first quarter.

Jan 10, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) attempts a shot next to New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (3) in the first quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

It was a balanced attack for the Pelicans, with all nine players who played in the opening quarter scoring at least one point. New Orleans made nine three-point shots in the first quarter, led by Herb Jones, who scored nine points on 3/3 shooting from deep. The Pelicans forced seven turnovers from the Warriors in what amounted to a near-perfect quarter. New Orleans led 46-27 heading into the second quarter.

The lead grew to 25 points midway through the second period until Steph Curry hit a couple of three-pointers, and Warriors reserve Moses Moody provided a lift. Moody made 4/5 from downtown and led their bench with 12 points. 

New Orleans finished the half leading 73-60 after dishing 20 assists in the half and shooting 13/26 from deep. The Pelicans recorded eight first-half steals, which forced the Warriors into 11 turnovers in the first 24 minutes.

Golden State made a push in the third quarter, but the Pelicans matched every run with timely baskets. Brandon Ingram picked up his fourth foul midway through the quarter, but center Jonas Valanciunas made his presence felt inside. Jonas scored ten straight points to extend the lead over 20 points late in the third. 

Valanciunas went 7/7 in the period and led all scorers with 21 points after three quarters. Defensively, New Orleans held Steph Curry to just two points and the Pels lead was 105-83 heading into the final period. 

New Orleans quickly dispelled any hope of the Warriors mounting a comeback in the fourth quarter. New Orleans started the period on a 10-2 run, and Warriors coach Steve Kerr decided not to put any key starters back in the game. The Pelicans went up by 41 at one point, which was Golden State's largest deficit of the season. The 141 points were the third-most points the Pels have scored this season.

The win in Golden State marks the seventh straight road win for New Orleans. They are one shy of tying their franchise record for consecutive road wins. Friday night's game in Denver against the Nuggets gives them a chance to tie the record.