The Golden State Warriors (11-10) used a fourth-quarter spurt to beat the New Orleans Pelicans (3-17) 104-96 on Saturday at Chase Center.
Jimmy Butler led the Warriors with 24 points. Zion Williamson had a game-high 25 points.
Below are three takeaways from a much-needed win for Golden State.
The Warriors Have Found Their Short-Term Paint-Scoring Answer
I recently wrote that the Warriors’ biggest weakness is their lack of paint scoring. Not only are they one of the two worst paint-scoring teams in the NBA, but they also have just three players averaging more than 4.1 points per game in the paint, which is tied for the fewest in the NBA.
Though I don’t know this for a fact, I’d bet the reason they’ve been playing Gary Payton II more in the last five games is to help with that issue.
It paid off Saturday.
Payton had 19 points and 11 rebounds, and eight of his nine made field goals came in the paint.
That the Warriors are relying on a 6’2