SAN FRANCISCO -- The Warriors have built a reputation for late-game dramatics.
On Friday, it finally resulted in a win, as the Warriors beat the Pelicans 106-102, snapping a five-game losing streak. However, the feat wasn't easy, as the Warriors (6-24) squandered a 20-point first-half lead after getting outscored by 15-points in the third quarter.
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Still, following a stepback jumper from D'Angelo Russell with 32 seconds left, Golden State sealed its sixth win of the season, including their second over the Pelicans (7-23) this season.
Here are the takeaways from Chase Center:
Early start leads to a curious finish
After a series of bad starts, the Warriors finally found a groove defensively on Friday evening. Through the first 24 minutes, they held the Pelicans to just 38 percent from the field, including 14 percent from 3-point range, building a 20-point lead.
Golden State Warriors
Damion Lee scored 13 of his 20 points before halftime, while Alec Burks chipped in eight first-half points off the bench.
Then the third quarter happened.
Over a 12-minute stretch, Golden State was outscored 37-22 as Pelicans guard JJ Redick scored 13 points, helping the Pelicans take a three-point lead into the fourth.
For much of the season, the Warriors have been searching for ways to win with a battered roster, often doing just enough to lose on most nights. While coach Steve Kerr will be pleased with the win, the miscues down the stretch are inexcusable.
Paschall exits
Coinciding with Golden State's collapse was the potential loss of its prized rookie Eric Paschall, who exited in the first half with a right knee injury.
The play happened with just over a minute left in the first quarter when Paschall -- attempting to seal Redick -- twisted his knee as Redick fell to the ground. Following the play, the rookie writhed in pain but stayed in the game briefly.
After the Warriors' win, Kerr said Paschall was getting his right knee evaluated and was not sure if the rookie would need an MRI.
Paschall's injury is the latest blow for the rookie, who has dealt with hip issues in the past few weeks. Time will tell how long his knee injury will linger, but Golden State can ill afford to loss any more players to injury.
Burks shines off the bench
Earlier this month, Kerr relegated Burks to the bench to provide a scoring punch for the second unit. The eighth-year player presented that and more on Friday evening, scoring 18 points, grabbing eight rebounds and dishing out three assists.
On a night Golden State shot just 45 percent from the field, Burks consistently got buckets to keep the Warriors in contention during a horrid second half.
Burks' role off the bench could be effective for the young Warriors. Over his last eight outings, he's averaging 16 points on nearly 50 percent from the field.