Andrew Wiggins delivered a standout performance with 30 points as the Golden State Warriors secured their spot in the NBA Cup knockout round, defeating the New Orleans Pelicans 112-108 on Friday night.
The victory not only improved Golden State’s record to 3-0 in West Group C but also clinched first place in the group after Denver’s loss to Dallas later in the evening.
The Warriors leaned on Wiggins’ offensive prowess and a balanced team effort to outlast the Pelicans, who have now lost 10 of their last 11 games. Stephen Curry added 19 points, while Draymond Green contributed 11 points, including two clutch free throws in the closing seconds to seal the win.
New Orleans, struggling with injuries and inconsistency, saw Trey Murphy III lead the way with 24 points. Despite his effort, Murphy missed a crucial 3-pointer with five seconds left that could have given the Pelicans the lead. The opportunity came after Brandon Boston Jr. intercepted a Warriors inbound pass, but Golden State’s defense held firm in the end.
Green’s two free throws with 3.3 seconds remaining marked the final points of the game, ensuring the Warriors’ hard-fought victory. Wiggins’ ability to take over key moments was evident, particularly during a pivotal stretch in the fourth quarter.
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One of the game’s defining plays came with 5:13 left when Wiggins spun past his defender and hit a floater while drawing a foul from Jeremiah Robinson-Earl. Completing the three-point play, Wiggins extended Golden State’s lead to 102-94. Although New Orleans closed the gap to 110-108 late in the game, the Warriors’ composure under pressure secured their win.
Golden State also benefited from its depth, with Brandin Podziemski adding 11 points off the bench and the team collectively outrebounding New Orleans 52-42. That dominance on the boards proved critical in limiting second-chance opportunities for the Pelicans.
For New Orleans, Murphy’s effort was complemented by Brandon Ingram’s 18 points and Boston’s 16, while Jeremiah Robinson-Earl contributed 19. Despite these performances, the Pelicans’ injury woes continued to take their toll. Rookie center Yves Missi sat out with a sore left shoulder, forcing New Orleans to use its 12th different starting lineup this season.
The Pelicans did receive a boost with the return of Jordan Hawkins, who had missed seven games with back soreness. However, his six-point contribution wasn’t enough to push New Orleans over the line.
Golden State’s victory underscores its strong form in NBA Cup play, where they’ve showcased resilience and versatility. With Wiggins firing on all cylinders and Curry providing steady leadership, the Warriors are emerging as a serious contender in the tournament.
New Orleans, meanwhile, faces tough questions as their season continues to unravel. Struggles on both ends of the floor and a revolving door of lineups due to injuries have left the Pelicans searching for solutions.
Looking ahead, the Warriors will aim to maintain their momentum when they visit San Antonio on Saturday night, while the Pelicans will try to regroup as they travel to Indiana for a Monday matchup. As Golden State advances in the NBA Cup, their ability to perform under pressure is setting the stage for what could be a deep run in the competition.
