Golden State Warriors battle past New Orleans Pelicans in game two

The NBA playoffs' top seed, the Golden State Warriors, opened up a commanding 2-0 lead in their first-round playoff series against the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday.

After a comfortable victory in game one on Saturday, things were not so easy for Steve Kerr's side last night, but their defence helped them down the stretch to a 10-point win.

It was a see-saw affair at Oracle Arena, with New Orleans opening up a 13-point lead in the first quarter before Golden State went in three points in front at the break thanks to a dominant second period.

The Pelicans levelled the score going into the final frame, but struggled to break down the Warriors in the fourth as Klay Thompson led the hosts to victory.

The shooting-guard matched Anthony Davis's total of 26 points for the Pelicans, while MVP favourite Stephen Curry had 22 points and six assists.

The series now heads to New Orleans for games three and four, with the first of those taking place on Thursday.