Stephen Curry delivered another memorable homecoming on Wednesday night, scoring 26 points as the Golden State Warriors defeated the Charlotte Hornets 132-125 at Spectrum Center.
The Warriors improved to 18-16 and ended December by winning five of their last six games. Charlotte fell to 11-22 despite one of its most productive offensive performances of the season.
Curry scored 15 points in the first half and finished 9 of 16 from the field while knocking down five 3-pointers. The veteran guard, who grew up in Charlotte and played at Davidson, helped Golden State build a 69-64 halftime lead.
Golden State appeared to take control early in the third quarter with a 10-0 run. That momentum quickly changed as Charlotte responded with a 32-12 surge, fueled by perimeter shooting and pace, to take the lead entering the fourth.
Brandin Podziemski turned the game back in the visitors’ favor by opening the fourth quarter with two three-pointers. He finished with 19 points on 5-for-7 shooting from beyond the arc, including a lopsided triple to beat the shot clock.
Jimmy Butler also scored 19 points and sealed the outcome with two free throws in the final 20 seconds. Draymond Green added 10 points, 12 assists and a key tip with one minute remaining, pushing the lead to six.
The Warriors leaned heavily on the three-point line, making 24 of 49 attempts while shooting 55 percent overall. Golden State offset Charlotte’s domestic success by scoring efficiently from the perimeter and limiting late turnovers.
Charlotte received standout performances from its young core. Brandon Miller led all scorers with 33 points, while LaMelo Ball added 27 points on 7-of-10 shooting from deep and five assists.
Rookie Kon Knueppel returned from a one-game absence due to an ankle sprain and contributed 20 points. The Hornets outscored Golden State 56-32 in the paint, but struggled to match the visitors’ efficiency from outside.
Charlotte played without starters Miles Bridges and Ryan Kalkbrenner, putting pressure on the frontcourt late. The Hornets remained competitive throughout, but were unable to regain the lead in the final period.
Golden State returns home to host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday, while Charlotte continues its homestand by visiting the Milwaukee Bucks.
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