Stephen Curry's return helps Warriors get back on track 

Curry scored 23 points and shot 5-of-16 from three-point range in his first game since a pelvic contusion sidelined him eight days ago. That was enough to lift the Golden State Warriors to a 111-95 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, despite the rest of the team going 8-of-39 from behind the arc.

They pulled off the victory by winning the turnover battle, 16-11, and by shooting 67.6 percent on two-pointers. Curry's return forced the Pelicans defense to over-commit to guard the three-point line, and that opened up opportunities at the rim for players like Moses Moody and Quinten Post.

The Warriors may have fallen in love with the outside shot too much Friday night, but Curry's return encouraged that. They also committed to pushing the pace, helped by Curry, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler combining for six steals.

The Warriors were expected to beat the 20-54 Pelicans handily, but earlier this season, a game where the team shot 23.6 percent from distance was a likely loss. It's the emergence of young players, the defense, the passing of Butler and the constant threat of Curry that is letting the Warriors steal victories on off-nights.

They've got three road games left on this trip, with a huge opportunity against the fifth-place Memphis Grizzlies looming on Tuesday. To stay out of the play-in, they're going to need more of Curry and some better three-point accuracy — but they'll take the gutty win for now.