On Tuesday night, the Golden State Warriors celebrated a historic milestone by clinching their 3,000th regular season win, defeating the Charlotte Hornets 128-92 at Chase Center, San Francisco. The game was notable not only for the impressive score, but also for the collective effort of the team, demonstrating their strength and depth as they continue to build momentum.
Buddy Hield led the Warriors with 16 points, showcasing his shooting prowess as he contributed significantly to the victory. Stephen Curry and Draymond Green followed closely behind, each scoring 15 points, with Curry connecting on both sides of the court. Gary Payton II provided additional firepower with 14 points, rounding out the trio leading the team.
Moses Moody, Kevin Knox II, and Brandin Podziemski also made substantial contributions, with each scoring double figures—Moody with 13 points, Knox with 12, and Podziemski with 10. With this balanced scoring attack, the Warriors were able to run up their largest margin of victory since defeating the Utah Jazz by 41 points last October.
The victory not only highlighted the Warriors' offensive capabilities but also their defensive efforts, as they recorded 16 steals and showcased 49 percent shooting from the field overall. The home team started strong, quickly turning the game around after initially trailing, driving them to maintain dominance throughout.
Initially, the Hornets took the lead with eight consecutive points from KJ Simpson, who tied Hield's game-high total with 16 points. Charlotte managed to grasp the early advantage, going up 14-9. But the Warriors swiftly regrouped, pulling away with consistent scoring, closing the first half at 56-41.
The second half saw Golden State extend their lead dramatically, leading by as much as 19 points at one stage. Their relentless transition offense and sharp shooting from beyond the arc allowed them to outscore the Hornets 45-33 from three-point range, which proved pivotal as they stretched their winning streak to four games.
Hield’s scoring was largely facilitated through his three-point shooting, making four out of nine attempts. His performance underlined the Warriors’ lethal perimeter shooting, which was complemented by Moody's perfect three from beyond the arc and Payton's effective outings.
Meanwhile, Jimmy Butler, who was playing his seventh game as a Warrior, had six points but topped the team with eight rebounds, providing valuable contributions on both ends of the floor. Green's overall stats included six rebounds, three steals, and two blocks, showcasing his versatility and importance to the team's success.
With the latest win marking their historic 3,000th, the Warriors have not only reasserted their position as contenders but have also proved their resilience and strength as they match up against other teams around the league.
The Hornets’ struggles continued against Golden State, as they suffered their fourth straight loss, with the last three defeats coming by significant margins, averaging over 43 points lost. Despite efforts by other Hornets players like Mark Williams, who completed a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds, the team's performance fell short against the powerful Warriors, especially since they rested star player LaMelo Ball for the game.
Looking forward, the Hornets plan to regroup as they face the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday, completing their grueling stretch of nine consecutive games on the road.
The night belonged to the Warriors, who not only celebrated their on-court achievements but also the unbreakable spirit of their franchise. Since its establishment, Golden State has built a legacy of excellence, and achieving this monumental win is just another feather in their cap.