SAN FRANCISCO -- Stephen Curry and Draymond Green both scored 15 points as the Golden State Warriors achieved their milestone 3,000th franchise victory on February 25, 2025, with a commanding 128-92 win over the Charlotte Hornets. This victory places the Warriors among an elite group of teams having reached this milestone, with only the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, and Philadelphia 76ers sharing this honor.
Despite Curry's less-than-stellar shooting night—he finished 6 of 14 from the field and managed only 2 of 9 from beyond the arc—the Warriors displayed their offensive prowess against the struggling Hornets. The Hornets now find themselves on a bleak run, having lost four consecutive games and 13 of their last 15 shows. Buddy Hield led the Warriors off the bench, scoring 16 points, contributing significantly to their fourth straight victory and sixth win in their last seven games.
The Hornets were significantly hampered as they were without their star guard LaMelo Ball due to illness and injury. KJ Simpson stepped up for Charlotte, posting 16 points and six rebounds, and Seth Curry added another 14 points. Yet, their efforts were not nearly enough to keep pace with the Warriors, who capitalized on the Hornets' sloppy play, forcing them to commit 24 turnovers, which resulted in 37 points for Golden State.
The game was not just significant for the victory, as the Warriors took the opportunity to honor their 2015 championship team during halftime, marking the anniversary of their previous triumph with a special ceremony.
Right from the start, the Warriors faced some struggles. The opening minutes were uncharacteristically tough for them, exhibiting signs of disinterest as they fell 14-9 against the Hornets. But then, realizing the stakes, they quickly turned things around with several scoring runs, showcasing their capabilities and resilience. After overcoming the initial challenges, they mounted a formidable 23-4 scoring run through the end of the first quarter, leading 28-18.
Gary Payton II helped push the Warriors' lead during the first half, demonstrating impressive communication with Draymond Green, which resulted in several remarkable interior passes. The Warriors capitalized off these moments to increase their lead to 19 and concluded the first half with a 56-41 advantage thanks to Moses Moody’s three-pointer just before the halftime buzzer.
The second half continued to favor the Warriors as they maintained pressure, with Draymond Green, rejuvenated by Jimmy Butler's recent acquisition, dominating both ends of the court, sparking a devastating 13-1 run. This run widened the gap significantly, driving the lead past 30 points at one point, which effectively demoralized the Hornets, who struggled worse than their earlier games this season.
When the fourth quarter began, it was clear there was no coming back for the Hornets; the bench players for both teams entered the game early. The lack of competitiveness led to notable performances from lesser-known players, with the Warriors achieving balanced scoring, where seven players reached double figures, showcasing exciting depth. Buddy Hield, Curry, Green, Payton, Moody, Kevin Knox II, and Brandin Podziemski all contributed, with Payton and Hield leading the charge.
Remarkably, this win has not only bolstered the Warriors' season—placing them firmly within playoff contention—but it has also shifted their team dynamics since Jimmy Butler arrived at the trade deadline. He has invigorated the squad, instilling confidence and elevatory performances across the roster. Butler's influence is evident; even on days where he doesn’t shoot well, his mere presence allows others, including Curry and Green, to shine and succeed.
After this victory, the Warriors begin preparations for their next five-game road trip, starting with the Orlando Magic. The Hornets, on the other hand, will attempt to regroup as they face the Dallas Mavericks, hoping to find some much-needed stability as they struggle through this tough season.