3 biggest takeaways from Warriors season finale over the Pelicans

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - APRIL 10: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors and Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after scoring a basket during the second quarter of an NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on April 10, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - APRIL 10: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors and Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after scoring a basket during the second quarter of an NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on April 10, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors defeated the New Orleans Pelicans last night 128-107 as Klay Thompson and Jordan Poole combined for 63 points, paired with rookie forward Jonathan Kuminga’s 18.

The Warriors mostly looked great. However, there were plenty of areas for improvement.

If the Golden State Warriors want to make a deep playoff run, they will need to start rebounding better and learn to limit their fouling.

While overall, the Warriors played great defense and rebounded decently, there were numerous times where they allowed multiple offensive rebounds in the same possession.

The Pelicans only managed to outrebound the Warriors by one, but that could also be marked up to the Warriors’ high-efficient offense, shooting 60% from the field. (SIXTY PERCENT!)

They also struggled to defend without fouling for much of the game, having six players with two or more fouls and only two players without a foul.

The Warriors managed to have stretches where they didn’t heavily foul. Unfortunately, during those stretches, they were much less aggressive on defense and allowed uncontested shots from three and some easy layups.

They did seem to improve both of those towards the end of the game, but there was not enough time for the Pelicans to come back at that point.

Jonathan Kuminga has 100% earned a rotation spot and a large role for the playoffs.

Kuminga had a great game tonight, scoring 18 points and five rebounds while shooting seven for ten from the field.

He had a monstrous dunk, some nice post plays, and dropped in three shots from beyond the arc as well, displaying a great all-around game from beginning to end. Every other play seemed like Kuminga either scored, assisted, or had a “hockey assist.”

Kuminga also played well on the defensive end, playing aggressively against his man and contesting plenty of shots. All while rarely finding himself out of position.

The 19-year-old ended the game with a box +/- of+21, the second-best on the team trailing only Klay Thompson He truly impacted the game in every way, shape, and form. The rookie was everywhere, looking like Giannis Antetokounmpo minus around 50 pounds of muscle.

The Warriors really found their man in this past draft. Kuminga will be a star.

This part was originally going to be about Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga both needing more minutes, but Moody did not impress tonight.

Moody only scored five points in three shots and routinely found himself out of position on both offense and defense. Unfortunately, I do not believe he will be a large part of the playoff rotation.

Moody had a great pass to Kevon Looney in the first quarter, but the rest of the game was forgettable if not just plain disappointing.

Klay is back.

Next. Top 30 Golden State Warriors players in franchise history. dark

This needs no further explanation.