The Golden State Warriors have become the first defending champions in NBA history to start a season 0-6 on the road, with their five-game road trip culminating in a 114-105 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.
The franchise has now fallen to an abysmal 3-7 to start their campaign, although there were more encouraging signs as an undermanned Warriors took it up to the talented Pelicans.
New Orleans regained Brandon Ingram and went in full strength after a spate of recent injuries — news that almost summises the Warriors season to date. Meanwhile, Golden State rested four starters — Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins and Draymond Green — in the second night of a back-to-back following Thursday’s loss to Orlando.
Despite a fifth straight loss, there were positives signs from the Golden State Warriors’ younger brigade in a tough battle against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Without the stars at his disposal, Steve Kerr started Jordan Poole, Moses Moody, Jonathan Kuminga and Anthony Lamb alongside Kevon Looney. The game was close throughout as the Warriors took a one-point lead to the second quarter, and even led early in the third, before constant turnovers against proved their downfall.
22 turnovers to 15 ultimately cost Golden State a surprising upset win. The Pelicans also won the rebound battle 37-29 which, in combination with the turnover differential, gave them ten extra field-goal attempts.
It was an up-and-down night for Poole who had to shoulder the offense while being chased by renowned Pelicans defenders in Herbert Jones and Jose Alvarado. The 23-year-old finished with 20 points and nine assists, but shot just five-for-18 from the field and contributed five of the turnovers.
Kuminga may have been the highlight for the Warriors, taking advantage of his opportunity after seeing himself out of the rotation in recent games. The second-year forward had 18 points (7-for-12 shooting), four rebounds and two steals in a game-high 38 minutes.
The Warriors two-way players, Anthony Lamb and Ty Jerome, did themselves no harm of earning further opportunities. Lamb shot 4-for-6 from three-point range on his way to 18 points in 37 minutes, while Jerome also had 18 to go with six rebounds and five assists in his 32 minutes.
The performance means Golden State were at least able to salvage some positives from an otherwise disastrous road trip. Four of their next six games are at home, starting with pacific rival the Sacramento Kings on Monday.