Curry’s Explosive 24-Point Return Ignites Warriors to Crush Pelicans 111-95: One Win Away from Stealing the 6th Seed

The Golden State Warriors are in the midst of a playoff push, and Stephen Curry’s return to action on March 28, 2025, played a pivotal role in their 111-95 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. This victory brought the Warriors one step closer to securing a top-six seed in the Western Conference, and Curry’s performance was nothing short of exceptional. With 24 points, five assists, and five three-pointers, Curry demonstrated why he remains one of the league’s premier players and provided the Warriors with a much-needed boost as they continue their chase for playoff positioning.

Stephen Curry’s Impactful Return

After missing two games due to a pelvic contusion, Stephen Curry made his much-anticipated return to the court in this crucial matchup against the Pelicans. His presence immediately elevated the Warriors’ offense, despite his somewhat inefficient shooting performance. Curry finished the game with 24 points, five assists, and five three-pointers, showcasing his ability to make an impact even when he’s not at his absolute best. He shot 7-for-21 from the field and 5-for-16 from beyond the arc, which reflects his usual aggressive playing style, but the fact that he contributed in multiple ways—particularly as a playmaker—helped his team push forward to secure the win.

What made Curry’s return even more significant was how his performance helped the Warriors navigate through a somewhat sluggish start to the game. The Pelicans, who have struggled throughout the season, were able to keep it close for much of the first half. But Curry’s leadership, along with contributions from his teammates, ultimately allowed the Warriors to pull away in the second half, ensuring that they would leave New Orleans with a crucial victory.

Key Contributions from Warriors Teammates

While Curry stole the spotlight with his scoring and playmaking, it was a total team effort that allowed the Warriors to take down the Pelicans. Several other players stepped up to provide much-needed support, helping to ensure that the Warriors maintained control throughout the game.

• Jimmy Butler: The addition of Jimmy Butler has been a game-changer for the Warriors this season. Known for his defensive prowess and leadership, Butler contributed significantly on both ends of the floor. He finished with a double-double, posting 18 points and 10 rebounds. His presence on defense, along with his ability to score in clutch moments, helped solidify the Warriors’ win.

• Jonathan Kuminga: One of the Warriors’ younger players, Jonathan Kuminga, continued to develop and show why he is a key piece for the future of the team. Kuminga finished the game with 16 points, showcasing his scoring ability and athleticism. He also contributed with a few key rebounds and plays on the defensive end, proving that he can step up when needed.

• Quinten Post: In a supporting role, Quinten Post added 15 points, efficiently scoring both inside and on the perimeter. His contribution off the bench was vital in giving the Warriors depth and keeping their offense moving when the starting unit needed rest.

• Buddy Hield: Another key player off the bench, Buddy Hield, provided 11 points. His perimeter shooting ability kept the Pelicans’ defense honest, especially when Curry was drawing attention and opening up opportunities for others.

Warriors’ Playoff Hopes: One Step Closer to the 6th Seed

With the win over the Pelicans, the Warriors have now positioned themselves just one win away from claiming the 6th seed in the Western Conference. At 40-29, they are in the thick of a tight playoff race that will come down to the wire. This victory helped solidify their chances of avoiding the Play-In Tournament, which is a critical goal for the Warriors, given their recent struggles and the fierce competition for playoff spots in the West.

The Warriors’ playoff positioning is largely dependent on their ability to continue playing at a high level over the final stretch of the regular season. Currently, the Warriors are neck-and-neck with several other teams, including the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Clippers, for a spot in the top six. With the top six teams guaranteed a direct spot in the playoffs, the Warriors know that every game matters.

Their playoff fate will largely rest on their performances in upcoming games against tough opponents, including the Memphis Grizzlies, Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets, and Houston Rockets. The Warriors have a strong roster, and with Curry back in the fold, they have the tools to continue winning. However, maintaining consistency and getting key contributions from other players will be crucial.

Key Upcoming Matchups for the Warriors

The Warriors’ path to securing the 6th seed will not be easy, as they face a series of tough opponents in the remaining weeks of the regular season. Here are some of the key matchups that will determine their playoff fate:

• Memphis Grizzlies: The Grizzlies are a gritty team known for their defense and the leadership of superstar Ja Morant. Their style of play presents a unique challenge for the Warriors, who will need to match Memphis’ physicality while also exploiting their offensive weapons.

• Los Angeles Lakers: With the addition of Luka Dončić to the Lakers’ roster, Los Angeles has become an even more formidable opponent. The Lakers’ blend of talent, experience, and star power makes them one of the toughest teams in the league. The Warriors will need to be at their best to outmatch LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Dončić.

• Denver Nuggets: The Nuggets, led by reigning MVP Nikola Jokić, have been one of the top teams in the West this season. Denver’s combination of offensive firepower and defensive resilience will challenge the Warriors, who will need Curry and his teammates to perform at an elite level.

• Houston Rockets: While not a top contender, the Rockets have shown moments of promise this season. Their fast-paced play and young talent make them a dangerous team, and the Warriors cannot afford to overlook them if they want to secure a top-six seed.

Pelicans’ Struggles Continue: A Focus on the Future

For the Pelicans, this loss was another painful reminder of their ongoing struggles this season. With a record of 19-51, the Pelicans have been officially eliminated from playoff contention. This loss further cements their disappointing season, as they have failed to find any real momentum despite some individual bright spots.

While the Pelicans won’t be participating in the postseason this year, the team’s front office will likely turn its attention to the offseason, where they will look to build around their core players and improve their roster. Key players like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram will remain integral to the team’s future, and the Pelicans will be hoping to add more depth and experience to help them compete in the highly competitive Western Conference.

Looking Ahead: The Warriors’ Playoff Push

The Warriors’ win over the Pelicans was an important step in their playoff journey, but there is still much work to be done. As the regular season winds down, Golden State will need to stay focused and continue to get strong performances from Curry and the rest of the team. Their ultimate goal is to secure a top-six seed and avoid the nerve-wracking Play-In Tournament, which can often result in an early exit from the postseason.

The Warriors are well-equipped for the challenges ahead, and with Curry back in form, they have a legitimate chance to make a deep playoff run. However, they must remain vigilant, as the teams around them are equally determined to secure their spots in the postseason.

As the Warriors battle through these final games, fans will be closely watching how the team performs and whether they can maintain their momentum heading into the playoffs. With the right mix of veteran leadership, young talent, and Curry’s undeniable skill, the Warriors are primed to make some noise as they head into the postseason.

Conclusion: A Critical Win, But the Work Isn’t Over Yet

Stephen Curry’s return to the lineup was a game-changer for the Warriors, but the team’s playoff destiny is far from decided. The win over the Pelicans was crucial in keeping their top-six hopes alive, but the Warriors still have several tough games ahead of them. With Curry leading the way and the supporting cast stepping up, the Warriors are well-positioned to make a strong playoff push. However, they must remain focused, continue executing on both ends of the floor, and ensure that they finish the regular season strong if they want to avoid the Play-In Tournament and set themselves up for a deep run in the playoffs. The next few weeks will be critical in determining whether the Warriors can achieve their playoff goals and compete for an NBA championship.