Warriors takeaways: What we learned in win 112-103 over Pelicans

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With Kevin Durant sick, Klay Thompson resting and Stephen Curry injuring himself early Tuesday night at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, the Golden State Warriors (56-24) got their best bench performance of the season in a 112-103 win over the Pelicans (33-48). 

In the Warriors' sixth straight win, the bench unit combined for 65 points, helping Golden State stay in contention for the league's second-best record. 

Here are the takeaways from Tuesday's game. 

Steph's Scare

Curry went down early in the second half as a result of two words the Warriors never want to hear: rolled ankle. 

While the Warriors say that it's a mild foot sprain and that he was sat out for 'precautionary reasons,' the question remains, with two games left in the season and a first seed wrapped up: Why even play Curry in the first place?

That's a question for Steve Kerr and co. going forward, and it will certainly have ramifications for Wednesday's game in Memphis. 

Jacob Evans shows signs of growth

When Warriors general manager Bob Myers drafted Evans, the hope was that the rookie could find an instant role on the team as a defender. Instead, he toiled for much of the season in the G League, sparking some whispers about his long-term viability. 

That changed Tuesday when Evans, playing 90 minutes from his hometown of Baton Rouge, finished with 11 points, five rebounds and three steals. 

It's been a long season for Evans, but if Tuesday was any indication, he could still have a future in this league. 

[RELATED: Magic quits as Lakers president, and seems thrilled about it]

Damion Lee keeps shooting

The Splash Brother-In-Law poured in 20 points, on 7-of-13 shooting from the field. 

As Golden State's two-way player, Lee has played well during his time with the Warriors, providing quality shooting. Earlier this season, he played well enough to garner buzz about possibly getting his contract converted to a guaranteed deal for the postseason. 

For now, with the season finale Wednesday evening, Lee will be looking to continue to add to his highlight tape for the summer. 

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