NBA MVP Curry scores 40 points, Warriors win opener

Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut (12) blocks the shot of New Orleans Pelicans guard Eric Gordon (10) during the first quarter at Oracle Arena.  [Photo/Agencies]

TIP-INS

Pelicans: The Pelicans played the Warriors in a season opener for the second time. They won 108-103 as the Hornets on Oct. 29, 2008. ... Nate Robinson also made his New Orleans debut. ... The Pelicans haven't won at Oracle since April 24, 2012, and have lost 11 of 12 regular-season games to Golden State.

Warriors: GM Bob Myers announced at shootaround that talks of a contract extension with Harrison Barnes have been halted. Barnes then missed his initial seven shots and wound up 3 of 12 for eight points. ... Golden State opened at home for the 12th time in 14 years. ... The Warriors are 3-1 opening the season after a championship, doing so at home for the first time since 1947. ... Anthony Sadler and Spencer Stone, who helped thwart a would-be terrorist attack in August on a French train, received a rousing ovation.

SILVER LINING

Presenting the champs pregame, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said of the team: "It's as innovative as this community. You're true Warriors. To the fans, you've waited 40 years."

SAGER RETURNS

Sideline reporter Craig Sager returned to work following cancer treatment and said with a smile, ''Good to be seen'' as he walked into the arena alongside Chris Webber. Marv Albert also worked the game for Turner Sports. Late in the second quarter, a video tribute and ''Welcome Back'' showed on the main scoreboard and included Curry and others greeting Sager while wearing colorful sports jackets in his signature style.

UP NEXT

Pelicans: Visit Portland on Wednesday.

Warriors: Visit Houston on Friday.