On Tuesday night at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, the Golden State Warriors suffered a frustrating 113-109 defeat to the Pelicans, a setback underscored by the absence of star guard Steph Curry and a struggling offensive performance. The Warriors’ poor shooting, combined with costly turnovers, played a central role in this disappointing loss, highlighting ongoing challenges within the team.
Coach Steve Kerr Criticizes Team’s Performance After Defeat
Following the game, Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr expressed clear frustration about his team’s execution on the court. Addressing the media, Kerr pointed to several critical issues, emphasizing that the team’s offensive flow was disrupted throughout the game.
“21 turnovers. We did not execute very well offensively. Spacing was bad… We didn’t cut to the rim, we didn’t get to the corners, we just looked a little disjointed.. The game was right there for us. We just couldn’t execute well enough. With the injuries we have, we have to play well… I don’t think we played well,”
Kerr said, reflecting on the challenges the Warriors faced against the Pelicans.
Individual Performances Amid the Struggle
Despite the team’s collective shortcomings, some players delivered notable efforts. De’Anthony Melton led the Warriors by scoring 28 points, grabbing four rebounds, and contributing three assists, though his shooting was uneven, converting only 8 of 21 field goal attempts and three of ten three-pointers in 28 minutes. Moses Moody also put forth a solid performance, totaling 24 points on 7 of 13 shooting, along with five rebounds and three assists over 34 minutes of play.
Additional contributions came from players like Pidziemski, who recorded 16 points, 15 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks, and Santos, who added 15 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, two steals, and three blocks. Draymond Green chipped in with 11 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and two blocks. However, these individual efforts were not enough to overcome the team’s overall inefficiency and the Pelicans’ determined play. Game analyst User Guru summarized the stat line:
“FINAL: Warriors fall to the Pelicans 113-109 Melton: 28 pts, 4 reb, 3 ast Moody: 24 pts, 5 reb, 3 ast, 4 3pm Pidziemski: 16 pts, 15 reb, 3 ast, 2 blk Santos: 15 pts, 12 reb, 4 ast, 2 stl, 3 blk Green: 11 pts, 7 reb, 6 ast, 2 blk.”
Warriors’ Current Standing and Upcoming Challenges
With this loss, the Warriors’ record slipped to 30-28 after 58 games, positioning them as the eighth seed in the fiercely competitive Western Conference. Their recent form includes going 4-6 in the last ten games and struggling on the road with an 11-17 away record. This inconsistency has increased pressure on the team as the postseason approaches.
Following the game in New Orleans, Golden State is set to face the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night in Tennessee. ESPN’s Anthony Slater highlighted the Warriors’ urgent situation:
“The Warriors lose in New Orleans tonight. Doomed by 31-19 first quarter. They’re 11-17 on the road. Three games back of the Suns for the #7 seed, two up on the Blazers for the #8 spot. They play in Memphis tomorrow night. De’Anthony Melton (28 pts tonight) expected to rest.”
Melton’s expected rest could impact the team’s scoring capability as they try to solidify their playoff position.
Context on Warriors’ Recent Performance and Playoff Prospects
The Golden State Warriors last captured the NBA championship in 2022, defeating the Boston Celtics in six games during the Finals. During the 2025 playoffs, they won a first-round series against the Houston Rockets but were eliminated in the second round by the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games. The ongoing struggles this season, including the recent loss to the Pelicans, raise concerns about their ability to regain their former dominance.
Pelicans’ Progress and Seasonal Position
For the New Orleans Pelicans, this victory improved their record to 17-42 after 59 games, holding the 14th seed in the Western Conference. Though they have a distant playoff outlook this season, the team’s recent successes can offer hope, considering they last qualified for the postseason in 2024.
FINAL: Warriors fall to the Pelicans 113-109
Melton: 28 pts, 4 reb, 3 ast
Moody: 24 pts, 5 reb, 3 ast, 4 3pm
Pidziemski: 16 pts, 15 reb, 3 ast, 2 blk
Santos: 15 pts, 12 reb, 4 ast, 2 stl, 3 blk
Green: 11 pts, 7 reb, 6 ast, 2 blkThoughts on the game? pic.twitter.com/2aTkbLVpXN
— Guru (@DrGuru_) February 25, 2026
The Warriors lose in New Orleans tonight. Doomed by 31-19 first quarter. They're 11-17 on the road. Three games back of the Suns for the #7 seed, two up on the Blazers for the #8 spot.
They play in Memphis tomorrow night. De'Anthony Melton (28 pts tonight) expected to rest.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) February 25, 2026
https://twitter.com/warriors/status/2026696188938932444
