Waters seizes opportunity, catapults Warriors to win against Pelicans originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
SAN FRANCISCO – On a night when the Warriors were without their ultimate spark plug in Stephen Curry, Lindy Waters III provided all the strength Golden State needed in its 124-106 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday.
The fourth-year forward poured in 21 points, grabbed a career-high eight rebounds and matched his best with four assists.
All while logging 30 1/2 minutes, more than any other Warriors player except Brandon Podziemski.
“I’ve been saying that since day one of [training] camp, this guy is a ballplayer,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “The game flows when he’s out there. Not just because he’s a good shooter. It’s the shots he doesn’t make because of his patience, it’s the cuts he makes to the basket, it’s entering the battle defensively.
“Couldn’t get him out until tonight, and he’ll make his case for more game time.”
Waters made a nice case for himself against the Pelicans. He shot 8 of 13 from the floor and made a trio of 3-pointers.
“He got us going,” Golden State teammate Buddy Hield said.
“When opportunity comes, he answers the door.”
Buddy Hield applauds Lindy Waters’ outstanding performance in an expanded role tonight 🤝 pic.twitter.com/NkLhdn4ucw
– Warriors at NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) 30 October 2024
Waters spent his first three seasons playing sparingly for Oklahoma City before the Warriors acquired him in a trade from the Thunder on Day 2 of the 2024 NBA Draft.
He was somewhat buried on the Warriors’ bench but popped up when given the chance Tuesday.
“It always feels good. I come in and do the job every day, no matter if my number is called or not,” Waters said. “I’m the same person. But it’s good to go there and get a win, especially the way we started. We just kept our eyes off the scoreboard and focused possession by possession.”
Some people felt that Waters’ performance in training camp would have made him a bigger part of the Warriors’ plans. When it didn’t work out that way at first, Waters tried to stay grounded.
“I’m grateful for what I have,” Waters said. “I can’t be greedy and get into 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 prepared. That’s my way of thinking.”
