Without Steph Curry, the Warriors come back and beat the Pelicans

SAN FRANCISCO — Without Steph Curry, Andrew Wiggins and De'Anthony Melton, the Warriors' strength had a chance to prove that this roster is built to survive absences, as the organization believes.

The way there was a detour for them, but they proved that this theory is correct.

After trailing by 20 points early in the game, the Warriors settled down and won the middle quarters 73 to 48. Buddy Hield scored 25 of his team-high 28 points in the second half. Brandin Podziemski (19 points, five assists, three rebounds) played an excellent ground game. Lindy Waters III dropped 21 points in 30 substitute minutes, matching his career-high nine points. And Jonathan Kuminga, coming off the bench, contributed 17 points, three rebounds and three assists and turned heads in the second half.

Golden State's defense forced the Pelicans into difficult shots – often made by Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson – and countless turnovers on live balls. Golden State recorded 14 total steals and forced 22 turnovers, dominating the possession game.

With five Warriors (3-1) finishing in double figures, the Pelicans were far too predictable. Ingram and Williamson combined for 61 points, but no other Pelicans scored more than seven points. Golden State's depth prevailed with a 124-106 victory – the team's first win at Chase Center this year.

Golden State started Brandin Podziemski, Buddy Hield, Moses Moody, Draymond Green and Trayce Jackson-Davis and notably brought Kuminga off the bench.

“That’s why we have a strong team,” said Steve Kerr before the game. “That's the point. To be able to withstand injuries and failures. Apparently tonight is pretty extreme. It's pretty rare for two starters to be out and one to come off the bench quickly. We feel like we’re made for this, but we have to prove it.”

The Warriors' starters looked strong defensively, especially Moody guarding Brandon Ingram, but they still quickly fell into the hole. Kuminga scored four quick points as he checked in, cutting New Orleans' early lead to 18-14.