Dubs swoop on Pelicans 123-101
Golden State goes up 1-0 to kick off the Western Conference Semi’s
By Felicia D. Purcell
Martinez News-Gazette
After sweeping the Portland Trailblazers and a week off to prepare for the Golden State Warriors, the New Orleans Pelicans played like they’d just been awakened from a long sleep. Leading up to Saturdays game much of the discussion was about how Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry was going to have something up his sleeve for his former team, how the long arms and agility of Anthony Davis was going to be a problem for the Warriors and more importantly, would Stephen Curry return. None of the above happened.
Klay Thompson finished the game as the leading scorer for the Warriors with 27 points, Anthony Davis had 21 for the Pelicans. Kevin Durant netted 26 points and 13 rebounds with two assists and two blocks, tallying his 32nd playoff double-double.
If this is any indication of how the Warriors can play without Curry then they need to continue to keep him on ice as he rehabilitates his knee. Warrriors head coach Steve Kerr announced pregame that more than likely the two-time MVP who has missed 5 weeks will return to the lineup Tuesday for Game 2.
“It didn’t go as planned I guess,” said an exasperated Alvin Gentry after watching the Warriors silence his team 123-101.
The Pelicans were competitive in the first quarter and then it was Golden State the rest of the way. New Orleans lacked disclipine and the Warriors capitalized on their turnovers.
Golden State now holds a 5-1 record overall during the 2018 playoffs and have won 25 of their last 27 games versus the Pelicans including 13 of the last 14 at Oracle dating back to the 2012-2013 season.
Game 2 will be played Tuesday at Oracle Arena. Tip-off is 7:30pm.
Photos by Kym Fortino
