CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Golden State Warriors pulled off a resounding 119-101 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on March 3, 2025, at Spectrum Center. The win came during Stephen Curry's homecoming, as the two-time MVP returned to his roots where he played for Davidson College. Curry contributed significantly, finishing with 21 points, 10 assists, and three rebounds.
After suffering a tough loss to the Philadelphia 76ers just two nights earlier, the Warriors aimed to bounce back, and they did so with remarkable execution. They lead by as much as 14 points and maintained control throughout the match.
Not to be overlooked, Buddy Hield also made impressive contributions, scoring 22 points and sinking five three-pointers off the bench. His efficiency was notable as he shot 8-of-14 from the field. Brandin Podziemski had 19 points and 10 rebounds, showcasing his strong presence on the court, along with Draymond Green's impressive stat line of 16 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists.
The Warriors started the game strong, leading the Hornets 28-21 at the end of the first quarter and heading to halftime with a score of 58-49. Despite efforts from the Hornets, the Warriors’ consistency offensively and defensively proved too much.
For the Hornets, Miles Bridges led the way with 35 points, demonstrating his scoring ability and fighting spirit. LaMelo Ball supported him with 25 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. Mark Williams added 12 points and 13 rebounds, continuing to affirm his role as an upcoming force for the Hornets.
A significant narrative throughout the match was both teams' struggles from beyond the arc. While the Warriors shot 28.6% on their three-point attempts, the Hornets matched them with the same percentage, going 6-of-21. The Warriors, who have drastically improved their shooting from the free-throw line, hit 21 of 24 attempts, contributing to their victory.
Coaching strategies came under scrutiny too. Coach Steve Kerr addressed the Warriors' performance post-game, highlighting the importance of teamwork and ball movement, which resulted in 32 assists for his squad. Curry delivered nine of his ten assists within the first half alone.
Key Moments
The match’s pivotal point came late in the third quarter. After the Hornets narrowed their deficit to three points, back-to-back three-pointers from Hield seemed to shift momentum back firmly to the Warriors’ side. This surge helped them pull away, extending their lead back to double digits.
Meanwhile, the Hornets showed signs of struggle throughout the night, with coach Charles Lee commenting post-game, "We need to clean up our transitions and turnovers. Every time we got close, we shot ourselves in the foot with bad decisions." The Hornets committed 17 turnovers, which proved costly against the sharper Warriors.
Charlotte has now lost their last seven games, remaining stuck at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings with a record of 14-46. The team’s performance raises questions about what changes might be necessary moving forward.
Statistics Overview
The Warriors showcased their depth, with seven players contributing at least one three-pointer, reflecting their offensive versatility. Curry's efficiency was dampened slightly, shooting 6-of-14 from the field, including three from deep. This home win improved Golden State's record to 33-28, securing their position within playoff contention.
Going forward, the Warriors will visit the New York Knicks on March 4, 2025, continuing their pursuit of playoff viability. The Hornets, on the other hand, must regroup quickly as they face the Minnesota Timberwolves at home.
Final Thoughts
The Warriors' performance highlighted their resilience and capacity for bounce-back games, buoyed by the star power of Curry and supportive contributions from peers like Hield and Green. Meanwhile, the Hornets face urgent challenges as they attempt to find their footing amid constant defeats.
The story of the night, though, was Curry, celebrating at home with family and friends, leading his team firmly on the path forward.