NBA MVP Stephen Curry showed in a hurry he hasn't lost a step or his swagger, scoring 40 points to lead the Golden State Warriors to a 111-95 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night to open their title defense. Curry and the Warriors raised the championship banner and received their rings in an elaborate pregame ceremony featuring glitz, glow sticks and fire. 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.