Andrew Wiggins scored a season-high 30 points, Stephen Curry added 19, and the Golden State Warriors defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 112-108 on Friday night, securing at least a tie for first place in West Group C of the NBA Cup.
Draymond Green contributed 11 points, eight rebounds, and five assists as the Warriors improved to 3-0 in the tournament, with one final round-robin game remaining on December 3 at Denver.
For the Pelicans, Trey Murphy III scored a season-high 24 points, and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl posted 19 points and 12 rebounds off the bench. Despite the strong efforts, New Orleans dropped to 1-2 in the Cup.
The game remained close throughout, with neither team leading by more than 10 points. The Pelicans cut the Warriors’ lead to 102-99 after a 3-pointer from Brandon Boston Jr. with 3:17 left.
However, Curry responded with a layup off a Green assist, and Wiggins added two free throws, pushing the lead back to seven points with 1:59 remaining.
The Pelicans continued to fight, as Murphy hit two 3-pointers late, including one with 14 seconds left to bring New Orleans within 110-108.
Boston then stole a Green pass, giving the Pelicans a chance to tie or take the lead, but Murphy missed a 30-foot shot. Green sealed the win with two free throws.
Wiggins finished the game with 9-of-14 shooting and made all nine of his free throws. Curry also recorded seven rebounds and seven assists. Trayce Jackson-Davis added nine points and eight rebounds, while Buddy Hield scored 12 points and Brandin Podziemski added 11 for Golden State, who are now 7-2 on the road this season.
Murphy, in just his fifth game after recovering from a hamstring injury, shot 5-of-9 from three-point range. Both teams made 12 three-pointers in the game.
For the Pelicans, Brandon Ingram scored 18 points, Boston had 16, and Javonte Green added 15 points. Both Ingram and Boston matched Curry with seven assists. The Pelicans have now lost four straight games and have a 1-10 record since a 3-3 start. Golden State led 87-84 going into the fourth quarter after trailing 63-62 at halftime.
