That’s a wrap: Pels season ends in loss to Golden State

OAKLAND, CA – MAY 08: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after making a basket against the New Orleans Pelicans during Game Five of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on May 8, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

by: Ed Daniels

Posted: May 9, 2018 / 01:01 AM AST

Updated: May 9, 2018 / 01:01 AM AST

This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated.

The New Orleans Pelicans are on to next season.

Steph Curry scored 28 points and the Warriors outscored New Orleans 36-19 in the third quarter on the way to a 113-104 playoff victory Monday night at Oracle Arena. Golden State wins the Western Conference semi-final series, 4 games to 1.

“You have to understand,” said Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry said of Golden State. “This team has won the NBA championship two of the last three years.”

Anthony Davis, playing in the second round for the first time in his career, scored 34 points. Jrue Holiday posted a triple double, scoring 27 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and adding 11 assists. Rajon Rondo was limited to 20 minutes. Gentry said Rondo was bothered by a groin injury.

“Dell (GM Dell Demps) and I are on the same page, “said Gentry of what New Orleans needs to do to improve in the offseason.

The biggest offseason issue, by far, is the future of center Demarcus Cousins.

A first team Western Conference All-Star, Cousins was lost for the season January 26th, with a torn achilles tendon. Cousins is an unrestricted free agent July 1st.