Warriors vs Pelicans NBA 2025: History, Rivalry, Game Analysis, Key Players & Highlights
The Golden State Warriors and New Orleans Pelicans have a dynamic matchup history in the NBA, characterized by intense games, shifting strategies, and evolving rosters. This rivalry has provided basketball fans with numerous memorable moments, reflecting both teams’ distinctive identities and ambitions in the Western Conference. Here’s a comprehensive, SEO-optimized, and human-focused article that deeply examines the Pelicans vs. Warriors, exploring their recent clash, rivalry history, key players, game highlights, and implications for the season.
Recent Matchup: A Breakdown
The Warriors and Pelicans met on November 16, 2025, at the Smoothie King Center. Golden State entered the game on a high note, coming off a two-game winning streak and aiming for continued success. In contrast, the Pelicans were struggling, sitting at 2-10 and experiencing significant roster and coaching challenges. The final result underscored the current gap between the two: Golden State beat New Orleans convincingly, 124-106, led by a breakout performance from Moses Moody, who scored a career-high 32 points, making eight 3-pointers.
This win was a testament not only to the Warriors’ offensive coordination but also to the growing confidence and utility of their young rotation, as regular contributors like Stephen Curry provided leadership while emerging talent like Moody delivered when it mattered. Trey Murphy III was a highlight for the Pelicans, scoring 20 points, but the rest of the roster struggled to find consistent rhythm.
Historical Rivalry: Warriors vs. Pelicans
Head-to-Head Record
Over the years, the Golden State Warriors have largely dominated the matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans. As of mid-November 2025, the teams had played 87 times (including regular season and playoffs), with the Pelicans winning 29 and the Warriors winning 58. In the regular season alone, the count is 28-50 in favor of Golden State.
The Pelicans have managed to win only a handful of games in recent years; for instance, in the 2024-25 season, they lost all four regular season matchups against the Warriors. The playoffs have seen these two teams face off twice, with Golden State prevailing both times.
Biggest Wins and Notable Streaks
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The largest Pelicans victory was in November 2022: a 128-83 blowout.
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Golden State’s dominance was evident in 2021, winning by a 41-point margin (126-85).
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The longest Pelicans win streak is three games, which occurred twice historically, but Golden State’s longer streaks (including a four-game run in 2024-25) point to their superior consistency.
Key Players: On-Court Impact and Off-Court Stories
Golden State Warriors
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Stephen Curry: Continues to be the heart of Golden State, averaging remarkable numbers and regularly lighting up the scoreboard. Before facing the Pelicans, Curry scored 49 and 46 points in consecutive games, proving his ability to take over any contest.
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Moses Moody: Stepped up in the recent meeting, showing both the depth of the Warriors’ bench and the effectiveness of their development system.
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Kevon Looney: Making headlines for his first game against his old team after a decade-long Warriors tenure; his presence added both nostalgia and competition to the game.
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Young contributors: Players like Will Richard and Quinten Post have started to carve out meaningful minutes, energizing the roster and ensuring high-tempo execution, especially as injuries sideline key figures like Jonathan Kuminga.
New Orleans Pelicans
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Trey Murphy III: Recently returned to form, pushing himself as the offensive engine for the Pelicans.
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Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen: Both rookies showed promise in the recent outing—Fears with 19 points and seven steals, Queen with a career-high 10 rebounds—offering hope for the Pelicans’ future.
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Jose Alvarado: Known for his relentless pace and aggressiveness, he added valuable points and energy, even as the team struggled.
Coaching, Injuries, and Behind-The-Scenes Changes
The November 2025 clash was marked by significant coaching transitions: New Orleans had just relieved Willie Green of his head coaching duties, with James Borrego stepping in as interim coach. These changes often impact team morale, strategic adjustments, and on-court results—factors apparent in the Pelicans’ lack of cohesion during the Warriors matchup.
Injury woes further hampered both squads. The Warriors managed the absence of Jonathan Kuminga cautiously, focusing on long-term health. For the Pelicans, the lack of veteran leaders and new faces in the rotation underscored a period of rebuilding and experimentation.
Game Highlights and Turning Points
Warriors’ Offensive Mastery
The Warriors’ blueprint relied on relentless spacing, quick ball movement, and perimeter shooting. Moses Moody’s eight threes opened the floor, allowing Golden State’s system to flourish and making it nearly impossible for the Pelicans to keep up.
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First Half Domination: Golden State established control early with crisp rotations and aggressive defense, minimizing Pelicans’ transition chances.
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Second Half Boost: With the game still in reach, the Warriors’ deep bench maintained a high tempo, capitalizing on New Orleans’ turnovers and defensive lapses. The team’s ability to function seamlessly, even without some regular starters, highlighted their championship-level culture.
Pelicans’ Resilience and Roadblocks
While outmatched, the Pelicans showed spurts of offensive creativity, especially with Murphy’s shooting and Fears’ steals in transition. However, inexperience and the ongoing process of integrating new rotations—coupled with the mid-season coaching change—made it tough to sustain momentum.
Statistics: Key Numbers That Defined the Game
Warriors
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Points: 124
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3-Point Field Goals: 18 (Moses Moody 8)
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Rebounds: Outrebounded the Pelicans by a significant margin
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Turnovers: Maintained a low turnover ratio, leading to more possessions
Pelicans
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Points: 106
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Leading scorer: Trey Murphy III (20 points)
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Rebounding: Derik Queen led with 10, a career high
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Turnovers: Struggled with ball security, giving up easy chances to the Warriors
Fan Reactions and Community Perspectives
Fans of both teams brought energy to the Smoothie King Center, creating an electric NBA atmosphere. Golden State’s faithful celebrated the seasoned stars and Mooney’s career night, while Pelicans fans acknowledged the youthful grit of Jeremiah Fears and the promise shown by the roster’s new faces. Social media was abuzz postgame, with former teammates Steph Curry, Jordan Poole, and Kevon Looney catching up, demonstrating the strong bonds and respect shared between these rival squads.
The Bigger Picture: Season Implications
For the Warriors, this win further cemented their position as playoff contenders and kept their momentum alive in the group stages of the NBA Cup. Their deep rotation—combined with superb leadership and a history of playoff success—suggests they’re a team built for both immediate victories and lasting relevance.
For the Pelicans, the defeat was a stark reminder of their current limitations but also an important opportunity for reflection and growth. Integrating young talent, weathering coaching transitions, and building team chemistry are top priorities if they hope to become competitive in the Western Conference.
Warriors vs. Pelicans: By The Numbers
| Metric | Warriors | Pelicans |
|---|---|---|
| All-Time Meetings | 87 | 87 |
| All-Time Wins | 58 | 29 |
| Latest Win | 124-106 | — |
| 2024-25 Regular Szn | 4-0 (Warriors) | 0-4 (Pelicans) |
| Last Playoff Series | Warriors Won | — |
Player Comparison: Last Meeting
| Player | Points | 3PT FG | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moses Moody | 32 | 8 | — | — |
| Stephen Curry | 9 | 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Trey Murphy III | 20 | — | — | — |
| Jose Alvarado | 18 | — | — | — |
| Jeremiah Fears | 19 | — | 7 steals | — |
| Derik Queen | 9 | — | 10 | — |
Human Element: Real Stories and Emotions
What makes this matchup so captivating isn’t just the numbers; it’s the stories behind the players and fans:
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Kevon Looney’s Return: After a decade as a Warrior, playing against his old teammates was emotional—and the reception he received underscored how NBA teams and their fans don’t just remember stats, they remember the journey and the person.
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Young Blood Rising: Pelicans fans cheered rookies Fears and Queen, who are fighting for roles and respect in a league that is both relentless and rewarding for those who persevere.
SEO Takeaways: Why Pelicans vs. Warriors Matters
This matchup is consistently searched by basketball enthusiasts, fantasy league participants, and those following the careers of superstars like Stephen Curry and rising stars like Moses Moody and Trey Murphy III. The clash always features dramatic storylines—coaching shifts, roster changes, historic streaks—making it prime content for NBA fans seeking news, stats, and inspiring narratives about perseverance and rivalry in sports.
Conclusion
The Pelicans vs. Warriors matchup is much more than just a regular-season NBA game; it’s a microcosm of what makes basketball captivating. While Golden State currently sets the standard with veteran savvy and youthful firepower, New Orleans is busy laying the foundations for a future built on talent and character. Every contest brings new stories, statistical milestones, and connections that keep fans coming back for more—proving once again why this rivalry matters in the NBA universe.
