OAKLAND –- An anxious Dub Nation can relax, if just for a moment. And just barely at that.
The Warriors opened their first-round playoff series Saturday afternoon with a 106-99 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans before a gold-clad sellout crowd at Oracle Arena.
Stephen Curry, "MVP" chants ringing in his ears, posted 34 points and five assists to lead the effort giving the Warriors a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
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The No. 1 seed Warriors led by as much as 25, but the eighth-seeded Pelicans continued to compete, reducing the margin to single digits in the fourth quarter.
All five Warriors starters scored in double figures, as Klay Thompson put in 21 points, Draymond Green had 14, while Andrew Bogut and Harrison Barnes each had 12. Bogut also grabbed a game-high 14 rebounds, while Green snagged 12.
The Warriors made an early defensive statement, holding the Pelicans to 23.8 percent shooting (5-of-21) in the first quarter.
But New Orleans, making its first playoff appearance since 2011, continued to scrap and fight, outshooting the Warriors over the final three quarters. They were particularly resilient in the fourth, when Davis scored 20 of his game-high 35 points in the final quarter.
STANDOUT PERFORMER
Though many Warriors contributed, Curry and Green were the co-stars of this production.
Green did a fabulous job containing Davis through the first three quarters, limiting him to 15 points and one rebound. With Green submitting 12 points and nine rebounds through three, he deserved the standing ovation he received upon leaving late in the third quarter.
Curry ignited the offense and the crowd with his shooting and ball-handling exhibition. He made 13-of-25 shots, including 4-of-13 from deep. He also had three steals.
TURNING POINT
Having what once was a 15-point lead cut to five (44-39) with 4:17 left in the second quarter, the Warriors closed the half with a 15-2 rally to go up 58-41.
Curry scored 5 points to lead the offense during the run, but it was fueled by ferocious defense.
New Orleans committed four turnovers and missed five of its six shots during the stretch.
Though the Pelicans trimmed the margin to four (103-99) in the final seconds, they never again tied or took a lead.
INJURY UPDATE
Warriors: F David Lee (lower back strain) did not play.
Pelicans: G Tyreke Evans (left knee contusion) left the game in the second quarter and did not return.
WHAT'S NEXT
Game 2 is set for Monday night at 7:30 at Oracle Arena.
