Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III, right, drives to the basket against New Orleans Pelicans guard Bryce McGowens during the first half of an NBA basketball game in San Francisco, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO – On a cool Saturday evening in San Francisco, the Golden State Warriors faced the New Orleans Pelicans at 5:30 p.m. inside Chase Center for Filipino Heritage Night. The game marks the teams’ second clash this season, with Golden State winning the previous 124-106 on November 17 at New Orleans. In the game, Warriors guard Moses Moody scored 32 points to lead his team on the road.

This also marked the return of former Golden State Warriors center Kevon Looney. Looney was drafted by Golden State in 2015 and spent a decade as a fierce rebounder and versatile defender, winning championships in 2017, 2018, and 2022 while filling any role coach Steve Kerr asked of him. This summer, he agreed to a two-year, $16 million contract with the New Orleans Pelicans. During his time in the Bay, the Warriors paid him tributes through video and warm welcomes from former teammates.

Golden State had to play the game without Stephen Curry. The Warriors have an offensive rating of 118.2 with him on the court and 105.2 without him. The team is prepared to play a few games without him. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr had this to say about the situation. “Its a good opportunity for us to forge an identity without him… but this year were not playing well with and without him. So we have a chance to show the league what we can do with and without him.”

Quinten Post made the Warriors’ first three-pointer of the game, putting them on the board. However, that would be their only shot from beyond the arc throughout the first quarter. The long-range problems continued into the second half, with Golden State hitting only 2-for-22 from three in the first half, for a cold 9.1%. Despite their terrible outside shooting, the Warriors remained competitive by attacking in transition and creating scoring opportunities with cuts in the paint.

A major momentum shift happened midway through the second quarter when Micah Peavy of New Orleans committed a common foul on Jimmy Butler III that was reviewed and raised to a flagrant 1. Butler made the free throws, and the action shifted momentum back to Golden State. The Warriors then completed the half strongly, going 8-for-9 at the line to reclaim control.

Golden State led 42-38 at halftime, combining their defensive effort with improved ball movement to reach a rhythm late in the half. Through two quarters, the Warriors had 25 rebounds and 11 assists, led by standout performances from Gary Payton II (12 points, 5 rebounds) and Jimmy Butler III (11 points, six rebounds, five assists).

New Orleans struggled from deep as well, matching Golden State’s 9.1% outside shooting with a 1-for-11 performance from three. Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 6 points and 3 rebounds, but he received two personal fouls, limiting the impact he had.

Both teams returned from halftime with renewed energy, especially from beyond the arc. After a sluggish first half, the Warriors eventually found their shooting rhythm in the third quarter, hitting five three-pointers to spark the offense. Brandin Podziemski had a stunning stretch in the quarter, scoring ten points, while Jimmy Butler III continued his stellar performance with eight points. Golden State’s ball movement also improved significantly, with the team racking up ten assists in the third quarter as backdoor cuts and fast passes regularly broke down the Pelicans’ defense.

New Orleans answered with a surge of its own. Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 11 points in the third quarter, attacking downhill and forcing the Warriors to adjust defensively. Jeremiah Fears contributed a crucial 8 points, allowing New Orleans to keep up during the back-and-forth momentum swings.

As the game approached the final five minutes of regulation, the intensity only grew. With both teams trading baskets and defensive stops, the score drew closer and eventually tied at 87-87.

In the final stretch, Golden State took control because of brilliant offensive execution, aggressive rebounding, and accurate ball movement. Podziemski made his third three-pointer to increase the lead, and the Pelicans battled to keep up with the Warriors’ tempo. Several Warriors players finished with double-digit figures, featuring Draymond Green, who had nine rebounds and four assists, earning his only points in the final 40 seconds on a technical foul. New Orleans’ Jeremiah Fears was removed with 40 seconds left after receiving two technical fouls; he finished with 16 points, six rebounds, and two assists.

Golden State held on for a 104-96 victory, improving their record and showcasing the depth and adaptability that would be needed in Curry’s absence. The Warriors are now 11-10 for the season.

Golden State’s Jimmy Butler led the way with 24 points, ten assists, and eight rebounds, while Gary Payton II added 19 points and 11 rebounds, giving them each a double-double.

After the game, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said this regarding the team’s early problems from deep: “If you take care of the ball, get shot on goal, it just sets the game up.. it didn’t feel that rhythmic, but it felt clean, we weren’t turning it over, the shots will start going in. We got a really good shooting team.”

Golden State held on for a 104-96 win and will now focus on its next game. The Warriors return home to face the Oklahoma City Thunder, the 2025 NBA Champions, on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 8:00 PM on NBC/Peacock.