The Golden State Warriors have won three straight games following a dominant victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, fueled by a career-high performance from Moses Moody and a disciplined defensive effort.
Stephen Curry scored only nine points in an 18-point, 124–106 Warriors win, highlighting a strong contribution from role players.
The Warriors may have finally found their rhythm, delivering one of their most complete performances this season and offering a glimpse of what this team can achieve when everything clicks.
Moody has been the X-Factor for Golden State
The night belonged to Moody, who totaled 32 points after an incredible start, going 7/8 from three in the first quarter.
This wasn’t just a hot shooting night or a one-off performance; Moses has shown a tremendous leap in his game this season, demonstrated through his assertiveness, confidence, and consistency.
NBA: Golden State Warriors at New Orleans Pelicans
Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
Moody is shooting 45.3% from beyond the arc this season and averaging 18.3 points over the last three games.
Many questions have been raised about who the X-Factor is for Golden State, with names like Kuminga or Podziemski being expected to take a leap, but it has been Moody who has exceeded all expectations this season.
Butler has been doing it all
Jimmy Butler has been everything the Warriors needed him to be this season.
Quietly orchestrating a masterful 18 points and 10 assists, Butler controlled the tempo and manipulated the poor discipline of a young Pelicans squad with his patience and elite IQ, which ultimately unlocked a well-balanced offense.
NBA: Golden State Warriors at New Orleans Pelicans
Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
Will Richard and Moody benefit greatly from sharing the floor with Butler. As talented as they’ve been, it’s Butler who consistently makes the game easier for his teammates and builds their confidence.
The Warriors’ defensive unit is ranked seventh in the league, and the duo of Butler and Draymond has done well to galvanize the team and execute at the highest level defensively without taking shortcuts.
It’s time for the Warriors to climb the standings
This win was expected, but considering how the Warriors have lost games they were favored to win this season, there was a strong emphasis on avoiding repeating the same cycle, and it paid off.
After 15 games, the Warriors are currently the seventh seed.
They navigated a grueling early schedule with only minor injuries, and their stars remain healthy.
Continuing the winning streak will be crucial in the stacked Western Conference, and the Warriors have all the capabilities to do so.