Zion Williamson scored 26 points, and Dejounte Murray added 13 in his first game in nearly 13 months as the New Orleans Pelicans edged the injury-depleted Golden State Warriors 113-109 on Tuesday night.
Saddiq Bey chipped in 18 points, including a reverse layup off the glass while being fouled that gave New Orleans a 107-101 lead with 1:47 remaining. Former Warriors guard Jordan Poole contributed 12 points as the Pelicans won their second straight game and fourth in six outings.
De’Anthony Melton scored a season-high 28 points for Golden State but missed a free throw with 1:23 left while trailing by four. Moses Moody added 24 points for the Warriors, who have lost three of four games while missing key players.
Golden State played without Stephen Curry (right knee), Kristaps Porzingis (illness), and Al Horford (left toe). Only nine Warriors saw action, and the team made just 24.4% of its 3-pointers (11 of 45) despite outrebounding New Orleans 59-53 and scoring 58 points in the paint, including 24 second-chance points. Brandin Podzienski scored 16 points and Gui Santos added 15.
Murray returned from a ruptured right Achilles tendon suffered on Jan. 31, 2025, against Boston. He played roughly 25 minutes, hitting a clutch driving layup with 1:04 left to make it 109-104. He also had three assists, two rebounds, a steal, and five turnovers.
Williamson’s highlights included making his first 3-pointer of the season; he had attempted only three prior this year. He scored 10 points in the fourth quarter to help seal the win.
Up next: The Warriors visit the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday, and the Pelicans travel to face the Utah Jazz on Thursday.
