SAN FRANCISCO — Without Steph Curry, Andrew Wiggins and De’Anthony Melton, the Warriors’ depth had a chance to prove that this roster is built to withstand absences like the organization believes.
It took a roundabout way for them to get there, but they proved there’s merit to that theory.
After falling behind by 20 points early in the game, the Warriors settled in and won the middle quarters 73 to 48. Buddy Hield scored 25 of his team-high 28 points in the second half. Brandin Podziemski (19 points, five assists, three rebounds) played an excellent floor game. Lindy Waters III dropped 21 points in 30 bench minutes, hauling in a career-high nine boards. And Jonathan Kuminga, who came off the bench, chipped in 17 points, three rebounds and three assists, providing thump in the second half.
Golden State’s defense forced the Pelicans into difficult shots — which Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson often made — and a myriad of live-ball turnovers. Golden State logged 14 steals and forced 22 turnovers overall, dominating the possession game.
As five Warriors (3-1) finished in double figures, the Pelicans were far too predictable. Ingram and Williamson combined for 61 points, but no other Pelican scored more than seven points. Golden State’s depth won out in a 124-106 victory — the team’s first win at Chase Center this year.
Golden State started Brandin Podziemski, Buddy Hield, Moses Moody, Draymond Green and Trayce Jackson-Davis, notably bringing Kuminga off the bench.
“This is why we have a deep team,” Steve Kerr said pregame. “This is the point. To be able to withstand injuries and absences. Obviously, tonight is pretty extreme. To have two starters out and a guy who comes off the bench quickly (out), that’s pretty rare. We feel like we’re built for it, but we’ve got to go prove that.”
The Warriors’ starters looked stout defensively, particularly Moody guarding Brandon Ingram, but fell into a quick hole anyway. Kuminga, upon checking in, provided four quick points, cutting New Orleans’ early lead to 18-14.
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But Golden State didn’t score for the rest of the quarter, a 4:52 drought. Kuminga appeared to force …read more
Source:: The Mercury News – Entertainment
