Wednesday’s result, a 131-121 loss, was expected by the vast majority of onlookers, but the bigger, more important takeaway was how the New Orleans Pelicans fought all night, seemingly with a hand tied behind their backs, against the Golden State Warriors, who exerted a playoff-like intensity through much of the first half.
On the first play of the game, Anthony Davis spun baseline and beat a fronting Draymond Green and the rest of the Warriors defense on a lob catch for an easy And-1 opportunity. Minutes later, the Warriors were whistled for their fifth personal fouls, including a quick two on Green.