On February 25, 2025, at the Chase Center, the Golden State Warriors made headlines by defeating the Charlotte Hornets 128-92, marking their 3,000th franchise win. This game not only showcased their prowess on the court but also extended their winning streak to four games, highlighting the Warriors as formidable contenders this season.
Buddy Hield led the scoring with 16 points, demonstrating his sharpshooting skills particularly from beyond the 3-point line. He managed to shoot 4-for-9 from 3-point range. Following closely were fellow Warriors Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, who both contributed 15 points each, and Gary Payton II, adding 14 points. The scoring didn't stop there; Moses Moody scored 13, and Kevin Knox II finished with 12, ensuring seven players from Golden State scored in double figures during the game.
The Hornets, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm and were without star player LaMelo Ball, who was rested following consecutive games. KJ Simpson matched Hield’s high with 16 points but was unable to carry the team against the Warriors’ defensive onslaught. The defeat marked Charlotte's fourth consecutive loss, with the last three games seeing them get beaten by over 43 points on average, showcasing the difficulties they currently face.
The game began with the Hornets taking an early 14-9 lead, powered by Simpson’s eight consecutive points. But it wasn’t long before the Warriors regained control and surged forward. By the end of the first period, the Warriors had established themselves, going up by as many as 10 points. They maintained this momentum, leading by 19 points at the half with the scoreboard reading 56-41.
Golden State not only excelled offensively, shooting 49% from the field, but also showcased their defensive skills, recording 16 steals throughout the game. They led the match by as much as 33 points, demonstrating their dominance and quality of play against the struggling Hornets. Even with significant leads, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr made the decision to empty the bench, allowing players like Knox to gain valuable experience.
Kevin Knox II, playing just his seventh game with the Warriors, seized the opportunity presented by the gap on the scoreboard. He played 15 minutes, scoring 12 points, collecting five rebounds, and handing out three assists. Fans were visibly excited by his performance, with many taking to social media to express their admiration. One fan noted, “He gonna creep to the rotation at this rate,” showcasing the growing respect for Knox's performances as tangible opportunities are created for him within the team structure.
Analysts and fans alike see Knox's potential as multifaceted; Jim Park was quoted saying, “I feel like Kevin Knox is a bigger version of Buddy Hield with much greater length,” emphasizing his potential to adapt alongside Hield, who may be more of third-stringer status come the playoffs.
With Hield's scoring largely done from the arc, the Warriors shot 35.7% on 3-pointers, outscoring the Hornets 45-33 from deep. The success was matched with great ball movement, as Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Gui Santos led the team with six assists apiece.
Defensively, Draymond Green stood out not only with his scoring but also with six rebounds, three steals, and two blocks, solidifying his role as the anchor of the Warriors’ defense. While the Hornets' Mark Williams did finish with 12 points and pulled down 12 rebounds, he couldn't offset the team-wide struggles Charlotte faced on both ends of the floor.
Looking forward, the Warriors plan to continue their push for the playoffs, currently holding the eighth seed after their significant win. Meanwhile, the Hornets face mounting challenges as they close out their grueling stretch of nine straight games on the road, with their next match set against the Dallas Mavericks.
This victory over the Hornets does not simply represent another win for Golden State; it serves as affirmation of their cohesive productivity and strength as they navigate through this NBA season, all spearheaded by their successful transition and integration of former and new players like Knox.