© Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
It’s almost over. The long, winding road of this way-too-long NBA regular season is finally reaching its conclusion. Tonight’s 112-103 over the New Orleans Pelicans means the Warriors have just one regular season game left tomorrow night in Memphis. Then, the real season starts.
Tonight’s game was significant, however, in that it cemented the Warriors as having the best record over six years in NBA history. Here are three takeaways from tonight’s game:
“Where the love go? Five, four, three, two, I let one go”
As New Orleans, Louisiana native Lil Wayne rapped on “Uproar,” on Tha Carter V, “Where the love go? Five, four, three, two, I let one go.” DeMarcus Cousins felt the same way this summer, when the Pelicans failed to offer him the sort of contract he was hoping for.
Cousins has spoken extensively about the discussions he’s had since then with Anthony Davis – who donned a “That’s All, Folks” t-shirt tonight, likely hinting at the end of his time in New Orleans approaching this summer – and the wasted chance they had to build one of the NBA’s most historic and dominant front court duos.
Tonight was Cousins’ first time playing back in New Orleans since departing, and in the first quarter, he let this one go:
OK BOOGIE ? pic.twitter.com/zfLoxeMEGM
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) April 10, 2019
But this wasn’t just an isolated attack on the rim. Cousins had another fantastic game. He finished with 21 points (7-of-18, 1-of-5 from 3-pt, 6-of-10 from FT), 12 rebounds, 6 assists, a block and a steal.
Curry leaves with a foot sprain
Toward the end of the first quarter, Stephen Curry came off a screen from Kevon Looney at the top of the 3-point arc and made a move to his right before going down with no contact made. Curry then headed to the locker room and did not return to the game. According to the Warriors, Curry sustained what has been termed a mild right foot sprain.
The fact that the injury was a foot, and not an ankle sprain, may alleviate some concern for the Warriors, although it’s unclear whether the knock will sideline Curry into the first round of the playoffs.
Jacob Evans III gets first career start, bench rolls against
How about Jacob Evans III; he’s played slim minutes this season, but night was his coming out party. With such a stacked roster composed largely of veterans, it’s been near impossible for Evans III to break into the team. Tonight, in his first career start, was his chance. He and the Warriors bench were composed and efficient against the Pelicans tonight.
Evans III scored a career-high 11 points on 5-of-10 shooting, and 1-of-4 from 3-point range, along with 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks and 3 turnovers. His normal bench partners were also outstanding, scoring a season-high 65 points. Here are their game lines:
Damion Lee: 20 points (7-of-13, 4-of-7 from 3-pt), 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 turnover
Quinn Cook: 19 points (7-of-12, 2-of-3 from 3-pt, 3-of-3 from FT), 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 turnovers
Marcus Derrickson: 5 points (2-of-4, 1-of-2 from 3-pt), 3 rebounds in 5 minutes
Jordan Bell: 10 points (5-of-7), 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 turnovers, and this dunk:
“Jordan Bell with the dunk of the season!” pic.twitter.com/w6nG6VnCHV
— Jake Hutchinson (@hutchdiesel) April 10, 2019