Zion Williamson exploded for 26 points and Dejounte Murray made a dramatic return from a ruptured Achilles, leading the Pelicans to a 113-109 victory over the Warriors on Tuesday night. Despite missing key players, New Orleans overcame a fierce Golden State effort in a game that had major implications for both teams’ playoff push.
The New Orleans Pelicans delivered a statement win on Tuesday night, defeating the short-handed Golden State Warriors 113-109 behind Zion Williamson’s 26 points and Dejounte Murray’s emotional return after nearly 13 months on the sidelines. This victory extends the Pelicans’ recent surge (four wins in six games) and exposes critical vulnerabilities in a Warriors squad missing their starters.
The Return of Dejounte: A Milestone for Murray and Pelicans
In his first game since suffering a ruptured right Achilles tendon on January 31, 2025, Murray played 25 pivotal minutes, finishing with 13 points, 3 assists, and a clutch driving layup with 1:04 remaining to seal the game. Though he showed signs of rust with five turnovers, his presence transformed the Pelicans’ offense. His chemistry with Williamson—seen in pick-and-roll sets and transition plays—instantly restored New Orleans’ two-headed monster in the backcourt.
This performance underscores Murray’s value beyond numbers. His return could stabilize a Pelicans squad that ranked 18th in offensive rating before his injury, providing the playmaking and secondary scoring needed to complement Williamson’s dominance.
Williamson’s Evolution: Adding Range to His Arsenal
Williamson wasn’t just a force in the paint—he displayed an expanded offensive toolkit. The highlight: his first made three-pointer of the season, a confident step-back from the right wing that forced the Warriors’ defense to respect his range. He finished 10-of-12 in the paint but added two critical mid-range jumpers in the fourth quarter.
His 26 points marked his 10th 20+ point game in February 2026, solidifying his place as one of the NBA’s most dominant scorers this season. With Murray back, Williamson’s efficiency and ball-handling burden decrease, allowing him to operate more as a pure scorer—a terrifying prospect for opposing defenses.
Warriors Without Curry: The Streak of Resilience Hits a Wall
Golden State entered the game on a precarious three-game losing skid, already playing without Stephen Curry (right knee, 8th straight miss), Kristaps Porzingis (illness), and Al Horford. Despite the adversity, guards De’Anthony Melton (season-high 28 points) and Moses Moody (24 points) nearly carried the team to victory.
The Warriors dominated the paint (58 points) and second-chance opportunities (24 points), but their 11-of-45 (24.4%) three-point shooting proved costly. This performance raises red flags about their playoff readiness without Curry, whose playmaking and gravity one-on-one typically bail out cold-shooting nights.
With Brandin Podzienski and Gui Santos providing unexpected offense, the Warriors’ depth is showing signs of life. However, without consistent shooting from role players like Jordan Poole (who scored 12 against his former team), their ceiling is severely limited.
Clutch Moments: The Game’s Deciding Plays
- Sadiq Bey’s Reverse Layup: With 1:47 left and the game tied at 101, the forward spun off a Draymond Green closeout and finished through contact, extending the lead to 107-101.
- Melton’s Missed Free Throw: Golden State had a chance to cut the deficit to one possession, but De’Anthony Melton missed the front end of a one-and-one with 1:23 remaining.
- Draymond Green’s Foul Trouble: Green played the entire fourth quarter but could only contribute 2 points and was forced to guard Williamson for long stretches—highlighting the Warriors’ lack of forward depth.
Looking Ahead: Play-In Implications and Key Matchups
With this victory, the Pelicans move within a half-game of the sixth seed in the Western Conference and now control their destiny in avoiding the play-in tournament. Their upcoming back-to-back against Utah on Thursday offers a chance to build momentum.
Meanwhile, the Warriors’ path becomes precarious. Their road trip continues against the Grizzlies on Wednesday—a team they’ve lost to twice this season. Without their three best players, Curry’s health timeline becomes the single biggest story in the NBA. Every missed game lowers their ceiling from championship contender to possible play-in participant.
Final Thought: A Win That Shifts the West
This wasn’t just one of 82 games. It was a statement of resilience, a return to form for a star, and a reality check for a dynasty trying to regroup. The Pelicans proved they can contend when healthy. The Warriors showed they can compete—but without Curry, their margin for error is nonexistent.
In a season defined by parity and injury, one fact remains: tonight’s performance shifted the landscape of the Western Conference race.
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