Golden State Warriors' Top 5 worst losses in franchise history by point differential

The Golden State Warriors opted to rest their key veterans during Monday night’s against the New Orleans Pelicans on the second night of a back-to-back. The result was ugly, with the Warriors losing 128-83, a point differential of 45 points.

Guard Jordan Poole led the Warriors with 26 points, but outside of Poole, the rest of the Warriors’ starting 5 combined for just 20 points. Overall, there weren't many positive takeaways and Golden State will surely look to move on as quickly as possible from the loss.

But before they do, here’s how the Golden State Warriors’ 45-point loss stacks up against their worst losses in franchise history.

5. 128-83 (45 points) Golden State Warriors versus New Orleans Pelicans - Nov. 21, 2022, +4 others tied at 45

New Orleans Pelicans All-Star forward Brandon Ingram.

Coming in at No. 5 on the Warriors’ one of the most lopsided losses in franchise history is their most recent 45-point loss to the Pelicans. Pelicans All-Star forward Brandon Ingram led all scorers in this one with 34 points to go along with six rebounds, three assists and three steals.

This loss marked the Warriors’ fifth loss all-time by exactly 45 points. The others include a 136-91 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Dec. 22, 1987, and a 149-104 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Jan. 15, 1985. It also includes a 139-94 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Jan. 8, 1985, and a 144-99 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Mar. 2, 1980.

4. 142-94 (48 points) Golden State Warriors versus Dallas Mavericks - Nov. 20, 2019

Dallas Mavericks superstar guard Luka Doncic.

Golden State’s fourth-biggest loss ever was their 142-94, 48-point loss to Dallas on Nov. 20, 2019. Mavericks superstar guard Luka Doncic led all scorers with a 35-point triple-double against a very shorthanded Warriors team comprised of all bench players. This included Doncic scoring 33 points in the first half alone.

3. 130-77 (53 points) Golden State Warriors versus Toronto Raptors - April 2, 2021

Toronto Raptors All-Star forward Pascal Siakam.

The Warriors’ first loss of 50 points or more on this list came on April 2, 2021, when the team lost by 53 (130-77) to the Toronto Raptors.

Raptors All-Star forward Pascal Siakam led all scorers with 36 points to go along with seven rebounds and five assists. Once again, the Warriors were playing with a shorthanded roster without stars such as Steph Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson. The loss marked the biggest loss for Golden State in the Steve Kerr era.

2. 126-70 (56 points) LA Lakers versus Golden State Warriors - April 21, 1973

Former LA Lakers forward Jim McMillian.

The Warriors’ second-biggest loss in franchise history was by 56 (126-70) against the Lakers on April 21, 1973. This loss occurred during Game 3 of the 1973 NBA Western Conference finals. Following the win, the Lakers took a 3-0 lead in the series.

The Lakers were led by forward Jim McMillian in the win, who scored a game-high 28 points. NBA legend Wilt Chamberlain also recorded 12 points and a game-high 25 rebounds.

1. 162-99 (63 points) Golden State Warriors versus LA Lakers - March 19, 1972

Former LA Lakers guard Gail Goodrich.

Golden State’s biggest loss in franchise history is also their only loss by 60 points or more. This was also against the Lakers when the team lost by 63 (162-99) on March 19, 1972. Guard Gail Goodrich led all scorers with 30 points for the Lakers to go along with seven assists.

Meanwhile, forward Happy Hairston added 16 points and a game-high 20 rebounds. NBA legend Jerry West also finished with 17 points and a game-high 13 assists for LA.

For more on the Golden State Warriors' biggest losses in franchise history, click here.