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Steph Curry’s 3-Point Explosion Keeps Pelicans Winless

By Wilton Jackson

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The New Orleans Pelicans fought back from a 21-point deficit to keep the game close, but it was Golden State All-Star guard Steph Curry’s night of redemption as he exploded for 46 points off 13-of-17 shooting from three-point range; as the Warriors defeated the Pelicans, 116-106 Monday evening at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California.

With the loss, New Orleans (0-7) dropped its seventh-straight game to open the season and its second loss against the two-time defending NBA Western conference champs.

Curry, who did not make a three-point basket against the Lakers Friday, hit 13 three pointers; breaking Kobe Bryant’s 2003 record for most three pointers in a game with 12.

The Warriors (5-2), who were coming off an embarrassing 117-97 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, came back strong with solid performances from Curry, Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant.

For the game, the Warriors shot 50 percent off 45-of-90 shooting from the floor, 45 percent off 16-of-35 from behind the arc and 83 percent off 10-of-12 shooting from the free throw line.

Golden State committed fewer turnovers than New Orleans, 20-15, and gained more fast break points, 19-14.

Thompson finished the game 24 points while Durant finished with 22.

The Pelicans shot 49 percent off 39-of-80 shooting from the floor and 78 percent off 21-of-27 shooting from the charity stripe in the game.

April 18, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23, right) controls the basketball against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the first quarter in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Davis led the Pelicans in scoring with 33 points and 13 rebounds, followed by E’Twaun Moore with 15 points and Tim Frazier with 13 points and 10 assists.

The Pelicans got to within three of the Warriors in the fourth quarter but Curry’s three consecutive three pointers and some additional cushion points was too much for New Orleans within the last five minutes of the game.

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In the third quarter, the two teams exchanged baskets before the Pelicans used good ball movement, efficient scoring opportunities and solid rebounding to go on a 17-2 run.

Down by 14, the Pelicans narrowed the deficit to eight. With 8:04 to play, the Pelicans continued to score and took a 73-72 lead off a floater by Davis. In the final minutes of the quarter, Curry and Durant added some cushion points to keep the Warriors in the lead, 84-78, going into the fourth quarter.

Three-point shooting helped the Warriors take a commanding lead halfway through the second quarter. At the half, the Warriors shot 44 percent off 8-of-18 shooting from three-point range and 53 percent off 24-of-45 shooting from the floor. Golden State outscored New Orleans in fast break points, 17-10.

Curry led the Warriors in scoring with 23 points, followed by Thompson and Durant with 13 points respectively.

November 7, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots the basketball against New Orleans Pelicans guard Tim Frazier (2) during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Pelicans 116-106. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

New Orleans shot 48 percent from the floor in the first half. Davis led the Pelicans in scoring with 15 points.

Offensively, things remained the same for both teams to begin the second quarter. Following a timeout with 5:57 to play in the half, Durant sparked an offensive surge for the Warriors.

Golden State used the Pelicans inconsistency on defense around the three-point line to drop points in bunches, putting New Orleans in a deficit as many as 19. The Pelicans, however, managed to cut the deficit to 14, trailing the Warriors, 63-49, at the half.

After the two teams exchanged baskets to begin the game, the Pelicans jumped out to an early 17-12 lead.

The Warriors then responded with baskets from Thompson and Curry to tie the game at 17. Following another exchange of baskets between both teams, the Warriors scored the last six points to take a 28-24 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Things to consider: Buddy Hield, who finished with only nine points in the game, looked more comfortable in the offense. Look for him to find more ways to get involved in the offense as the season unfolds.

The Pelicans were without Tyreke Evans, Jrue Holiday and Lance Stephenson, who suffered a groin injury and was waived by New Orleans before tonight’s game.

New Orleans will continue its three-game road trip as the Pelicans take on the Sacramento Kings. Tip off is set for 10:30 PM ET…….

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