Charlotte, N.C. — Stephen Curry put on a stellar performance in his annual homecoming game, contributing 21 points and 10 assists as the Golden State Warriors pulled away in the second half to secure a 119-101 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Monday night. The win marked the Warriors’ sixth triumph in their last seven games.
Curry, a Charlotte native and former Davidson College standout, shot 6 of 14 from the field, including three 3-pointers. The Hornets came out with a strategy to slow down the 11-time All-Star by double-teaming him consistently during the first half. Curry adeptly responded by dishing out assists, helping his teammates score, and finishing the first half with nine assists.
Buddy Hield chipped in 22 points, while Brandin Podziemski contributed 19 points and 10 boards for Golden State, who were looking to bounce back from a 126-119 loss to Philadelphia just two nights earlier. Draymond Green also made an impact, tallying 16 points and 13 rebounds in the win.
For the Hornets, it was another tough outing as they suffered their seventh consecutive loss and have now dropped 10 of their last 11 games. Miles Bridges was a standout performer, scoring 35 points, while LaMelo Ball chipped in with 25 points and nine rebounds.
Takeaways:
- Warriors: The intensity of the game escalated in the third quarter following a collision between LaMelo Ball and Gary Payton II, which left Payton with a head injury, forcing him to exit the game. Shortly after, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr was hit with a technical foul, and Green received a flagrant-1 foul for an altercation.
- Hornets: Injuries continue to ravage Charlotte’s roster, with their bench severely outscored 45-21 by Golden State’s reserves.
Key Moment:
As the Hornets trimmed the Warriors’ lead to just three points late in the third quarter, Buddy Hield responded by sinking two consecutive 3-pointers. Jimmy Butler also hit a corner three, helping Golden State regain a double-digit lead.
Key Stat:
Curry’s remarkable streak of 29 consecutive made free throws came to an end in this game as he missed two free throws during the contest.
Up Next:
The Warriors will face the New York Knicks on Tuesday, while the Hornets will return home to host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday.
