In a standout Warriors vs Pelicans matchup, the Golden State Warriors defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 124–106 on Sunday night, behind a career-best performance from Moses Moody, who drained eight 3-pointers and scored 32 points to lift Golden State to a commanding road victory.
Moody’s Breakout Night Powers Warriors
Moses Moody stole the show in the Warriors vs Pelicans game, igniting Golden State early with an explosive first quarter. He went 7‑for‑8 from deep in that opening frame, giving the Warriors a 44–28 lead by quarter’s end. Moody’s marksmanship didn’t fade — he finished 8-of-12 from three by game’s end, underlining it was far more than a hot streak.
His performance marked a career high and showed that Moody is growing into a more reliable scoring option. His confident shooting unsettled the Pelicans and set a tone that the rest of the Warriors capitalized on throughout the night.
Balanced Attack and Veteran Support
While Moody’s scoring was the headline, Golden State’s win was a team effort. Jimmy Butler contributed 18 points and 10 assists, orchestrating the offense with poise and creating space for others. His leadership was especially important given Stephen Curry had an off night from downtown, shooting just 2-of-11 and scoring nine points.
Brandin Podziemski added 19 points off the bench, giving the Warriors another boost, while Al Horford chipped in with 11 points and veteran presence. Draymond Green was active on the boards with 10 rebounds and also infused energy after briefly confronting a fan on the baseline — a moment that made headlines but didn’t derail his performance.
Pelicans’ Struggles Under New Leadership
The Warriors vs Pelicans contest was notably the debut for James Borrego as interim head coach. That added a narrative layer to the game — but on the court, New Orleans struggled to keep pace. Their 3-point shot abandoned them: the Pelicans went just 8 of 29 overall (27.6%) from beyond the arc, limiting their ability to climb back into Golden State’s rhythm.
Trey Murphy III led New Orleans with 20 points, showing his scoring ability, while Jose Alvarado and Jeremiah Fears added 18 and 17 points respectively. But the Pelicans’ offensive consistency was never enough. They never fully recovered from Moody’s early onslaught, and their attempts to cut into the lead in the third quarter fell short of disrupting the Warriors’ control.
Tactical Analysis: Why Golden State Dominated
Explosive Start and Three-Point Mastery
In the Warriors vs Pelicans matchup, Golden State leaned into its strength from long range. Moody’s first-quarter barrage gave them early leverage, and the team kept the pressure on, making 24 of 56 three-point attempts overall (42.9%). That three-point accuracy, combined with good ball movement, allowed the Warriors to build and maintain a double-digit advantage.
Pelicans’ Offensive Instability
New Orleans simply couldn’t find their footing from the perimeter. Their poor shooting from deep hampered any comeback attempts, and they lacked a secondary scorer to consistently answer Moody’s hot streak. Their offense became too predictable, and without efficient spacing or a timely three-point threat, they were forced into contested mid-range and inside shots.
Mental Edge & Composure
Golden State’s veterans — Butler, Green, Horford — provided calm and structure when needed. Even with Curry struggling, the team didn’t panic. Moody’s early burst bought the team comfort, and they didn’t squander it. Meanwhile, the Pelicans, adjusting to a coaching change, seemed to lack cohesion late in the second half when the Warriors pulled away.
Bigger Picture: What This Result Means
- For the Warriors: This Warriors vs Pelicans win is an important step in their road-trip momentum. Moody’s breakout gives them a dangerous dimension beyond their established stars. It also shows their depth can carry them when Curry isn’t at his best — a key component for long-term contention.
- For the Pelicans: The loss under new interim coach Borrego raises early questions about direction and consistency. Their inability to produce from deep is a glaring weakness, especially in tight games. Talent is clearly there in young scorers like Murphy and Alvarado, but the structure and shot discipline under pressure will need work as they reset for the rest of the season.
Players to Watch Moving Forward
- Moses Moody (GSW): This performance could mark a turning point in his role. If he continues to hit threes at this level, he’s a serious threat.
- Jimmy Butler (GSW): His veteran playmaking and leadership remain invaluable, especially in games where the stars quiet down.
- Trey Murphy III (NOP): As the Pelicans’ top scorer tonight, he remains a foundational piece — but he’ll need support.
- Jose Alvarado (NOP): His energy and scoring provide spark, but scaling that up consistently will be key for New Orleans.
What’s Next
- Golden State will look to build on this road win and keep their momentum going as they continue their trip.
- New Orleans must regroup quickly. With a coaching change underway, their next few games will be critical for Borrego’s direction and for establishing a consistent offensive identity.
Credit: SportBuzzHub.com
Date: November 17, 2025
