The Golden State Warriors defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 125-122, at Chase Center on Friday night.

Both the Pelicans (31-40) and Warriors (38-33) checked into the contest missing all of their top scorers, setting up an unpredictable game scenario. Neither club was at a loss for offense early despite the absences, with Golden State emerging from the first quarter with a 41-32 lead. However, the hosts were up 75-57 by halftime, portending what seemed to be a comfortable win. New Orleans wouldn't back down, cutting its 18-point deficit in half and ultimately taking a one-point edge with 25.9 seconds remaining before Jordan Poole scored the last four points for the hosts to secure the win.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the Pelicans with 30 points, complementing them with five rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block. Naji Marshall posted a 20-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included three assists. Jaxson Hayes supplied 19 points and eight boards. Wenyen Gabriel registered 14 points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Eric Bledsoe managed 11 points, four assists, one rebound and one block. Willy Hernangomez contributed 10 points, nine rebounds and one assist.

Poole paced the Warriors with 38 points, supplementing them with six assists, four rebounds and one block. Mychal Mulder compiled 28 points, two rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Kent Bazemore finished with 14 points, four rebounds, one assist and two steals. Eric Paschall delivered 12 points and four rebounds.

The Pelicans return home to host the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night to close out the season, while the Warriors host the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday afternoon for their final game of the regular season.