On Friday, the Western Conference play-in teams’ fight for seeds took a significant turn. While some of the participating teams emerged victorious, others—like the Golden State Warriors—were dealt significant setbacks. The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Warriors 114-109, making 20 three-pointers in the process. Warriors shooter Klay Thompson expressed regret about the lost chance to be ranked as the eighth seed after the game.

The Warriors got out to a quick start, winning the first quarter by 11 points. But CJ McCollum made the decision to step it up a level. Leading the way, McCollum made five of his eight three-pointers in the second quarter, helping New Orleans outscore Golden State 45–22 to take a 14-point lead into halftime.


Throughout the entire game, the Pelicans maintained their lead. As demonstrated in the final seconds of the game, despite Golden State’s multiple rallies in the second half to pull within striking distance, the Pelicans would always have a response. Andrew Wiggins’ two free throws with 1:24 left in the fourth quarter reduced the Warriors’ deficit to three points, 109-106. With one minute remaining, though, McCollum would make his last three-pointer of the game, putting New Orleans ahead by six.
Curry answered with a touchdown of his own from downtown, but with 14 seconds left, he would miss the chance to tie the score. The Pelicans eventually won the game thanks to free throws.

For Golden State, Thompson finished with 19 points and six rebounds, while Curry finished with 33 points.

For Klay and the Dubs, what’s next?
With a 45-36 record, the Warriors are still ranked as the 10th seed. They could still move up to the eighth seed, but it would require both a victory in their last game and defeats in the closing games of the Los Angeles Lakers (ranked eighth, 46–35) and Sacramento Kings (ranked ninth, 45–36). Golden State can move up to ninth place with a win and a defeat from either the Lakers or the Kings if they manage to stay in the play-in round matchup between the ninth and tenth seeds.


It should be mentioned that Sacramento’s record versus teams in the Pacific Division gives the Kings the advantage over the Warriors in tiebreaker situations. But if the Warriors and Lakers are tied, the Dubs have the advantage because they have a 3-1 record against LA this year. as stated on NBA.com.

Furthermore, the Warriors don’t have the most difficult ending when comparing the final games of the three teams. The Utah Jazz, who are not in the running for the playoffs, will be their opponent. Utah is still not a piece of cake. The Jazz have defeated the fourth-seeded Los Angeles Clippers in their most recent game, the second of which they won.

With their game against the Portland Trail Blazers slated to be perhaps the easiest, the Kings could be a cause for concern. Given that the Blazers are now in last place in the Western Conference, Sacramento has a good chance of winning their next three games.