Waters seizes the opportunity and catapults the Warriors to victory against the Pelicans. The original appearance appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO – On a night when the Warriors didn't have their ultimate spark plug in Stephen Curry, Lindy Waters III provided the momentum Golden State needed in its 124-106 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday.

The fourth-year forward scored 21 points, grabbed a career-high eight rebounds and matched his best with four assists.

And all in 30 1/2 minutes, more than any other Warriors player except Brandon Podziemski.

“I've said it since the first day of (training) camp: This guy is a ballplayer,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “The game is on when he’s out there. It's not just because he's a good shooter. It's the shots he doesn't take because of his patience, it's the cuts he makes to the basket, it's the defensive confrontation

“I was just able to get him out tonight and he will push for more playing time.”

Waters pitched well against the Pelicans. He shot 8 of 13 from the floor and made three three-pointers.

“He got us going,” Golden State teammate Buddy Hield said.

Waters spent his first three seasons playing sparingly for Oklahoma City before the Warriors acquired him in a trade from the Thunder on the second day of the 2024 NBA Draft.

He was a bit lost on the Warriors' bench, but broke out when he got the chance on Tuesday.

“It always feels good. I show up every day and do the work whether my number is called or not,” Waters said. “I am the same person. But it feels good to go out there and get a win, especially the way we started. We just kept our eyes off the scoreboard and concentrated one possession at a time.”

Some people felt that Waters' performance in training camp would have made him a bigger part of the Warriors' plans. When things didn't go well at first, Waters tried to stay grounded.

“I’m grateful for what I have,” Waters said. “I can’t be greedy and have a bad attitude whether I get playing time or not. I will be the same person every day. I will always have a smile on my face and encourage my teammates. Whatever my role is, I will accept it. I just want the team to win.

“Just always stay ready. That’s my mentality.”

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