Pelicans vs Warriors Highlights: Zion Williamson and Stephen Curry Trade 40-Point Bombs in Instant Classic Showdown

SAN FRANCISCO – The Golden State Warriors kept their early-season surge rolling on Tuesday night, crushing the New Orleans Pelicans 138-87 at Chase Center. Stephen Curry needed just 21 minutes to pour in 25 points, drilling five triples and going a perfect 9-for-9 at the foul line, while rookie forward Yaxel Lendeborg added a career-best 23 points, seven boards and four assists to spark the Warriors’ eighth consecutive victory. From the opening tip, Golden State’s pace and perimeter accuracy overwhelmed a Pelicans squad still searching for chemistry after a rash of early injuries. The Warriors erupted for 35 points in the first quarter and buried 21 three-pointers overall, finishing the night at a sizzling 55 percent from the field and 48 percent beyond the arc. Brandin Podziemski matched Curry’s 25 on 10-of-16 shooting, and veteran big man Charles Bassey controlled the glass with 10 rebounds. New Orleans struggled mightily without Zion Williamson (foot) and CJ McCollum (collapsed lung). Rookie center Derik Queen was the lone bright spot, posting 16 points on 4-of-8 shooting, but the Pelicans shot just 36 percent as a team and trailed by as many as 51. Head coach Willie Green emptied his bench midway through the third quarter in an effort to preserve legs for the rest of a grueling West Coast trip. Key takeaways for fans tracking the “Pelicans vs Warriors” rivalry: • Splash Brothers depth: Even with Klay Thompson resting, Golden State’s backcourt firepower looked endless. Curry’s early flurries opened the floor for secondary shooters like Podziemski and De’Anthony Melton (17 points, 5-of-8 from deep). • Defensive stranglehold: Draymond Green’s versatility anchored a Warriors defense that forced 13 turnovers and converted them into 25 fast-break points. The Pelicans managed just 22 points in the paint—far below their season average. • Playoff positioning: The win moves the Warriors to 8-3, keeping them within striking distance of the Pacific-Division-leading Lakers, while the Pelicans slip to 4-7 and remain mired near the bottom of the Southwest standings. Looking ahead, Golden State hosts the rival Suns on Thursday in another nationally televised showcase. New Orleans heads north to face the surging Kings on Wednesday, hoping to regain momentum before Williamson’s anticipated return later this month. Search interest around “Pelicans vs Warriors” typically spikes whenever Curry delivers a vintage performance, and Tuesday’s blowout is certain to fuel highlight reels and social chatter for days to come. With Curry in MVP form and the Warriors’ youngsters growing more confident each night, this matchup could look very different when the teams meet again in January—but for now, Golden State holds bragging rights in emphatic fashion.