Golden State Warriors: 3 takeaways from Game 2 vs. Pelicans

Despite Stephen Curry’s return, the Golden State Warriors had to fight hard for a 121-116 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. Here’s what we learned from Game 2.

The Golden State Warriors’ Game 1 blowout of the New Orleans Pelicans sans Stephen Curry seemed to render this series a laugher. Instead, the team had to gut out a 121-116 Game 2 win — despite its leader’s jubilant return.

Curry scored 28 points on 15 shots, going 5-for-10 from 3-point range and 7-for-7 from the free throw line. He added seven rebounds and three steals, and was a +28 in 27 minutes. His presence on the court induced energy for his team and disarray for his opponent, as per usual.

Without Curry, this series would almost certainly be tied. The rest of the Warriors went 8-of-30 from deep, while guys like Anthony Davis (25 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, three blocks and two steals) and Rajon Rondo (22 points, 12 assists, seven boards and five steals) were far better than they were in Game 1.

Curry did have teammates that showed up. Draymond Green had 20 points, 12 assists, nine rebounds and two blocks on 7-of-11 shooting, while Andre Iguodala went 5-of-8 for 15 points, eight boards and three steals. As the series shifts back to New Orleans, however, Golden State will need more.

Let’s take a look at what we learned about the Warriors, and this matchup, in Game 2.