NBA MVP Curry scores 40 points, Warriors win opener

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots the basketball against New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson (33, right) during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Pelicans 111-95. [Photo/Agencies]

First-year New Orleans coach Alvin Gentry took part in the festivities and received a rousing ovation, as he was Golden State's associate head coach before departing for the Big Easy.

Kerr said beforehand he isn't sure when he will be back on the bench but plans to go on the team's weekend road trip to Houston and New Orleans.

"It's killing me not to be out there tonight," he said. "I've got to be patient and that's probably not my greatest virtue right now."

Golden State built a 10-point halftime lead and was never threatened the rest of the way to win its 19th straight home game dating to Jan. 31 and match the franchise record set last season.