12/31/25 03:10:00
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12/31 15:08 CST Stephen Curry scores 26 in annual homecoming game as Warriors
top Hornets 132-125
Stephen Curry scores 26 in annual homecoming game as Warriors top Hornets
132-125
By STEVE REED
AP Sports Writer
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) --- Stephen Curry scored 26 points in his annual
homecoming game in Charlotte, and the Golden State Warriors defeated the
Hornets 132-125 on Wednesday in front of 19,685, the largest crowd ever at the
Spectrum Center.
Brandon Podziemski and Jimmy Butler each had 19 points for the Warriors, who've
won five of six games. Gui Santos added 13 points off the bench, hitting three
3s for Golden State, which went 24 of 49 from beyond the arc.
Brandon Miller led Charlotte with 33 points, while LaMelo Ball finished with
27, going 7 of 10 from 3-point range. Rookie Kon Knueppel added 20 points in
his return from a one-game absence because of a sprained ankle.
Charlotte played without starters Miles Bridges and Ryan Kalkbrenner because of
injuries.
The Warriors led 69-64 lead at halftime behind four 3s and 15 points from Curry
--- who grew up in Charlotte and played college ball at nearby Davidson --- and
appeared on the verge of blowing out the Hornets after starting the third
quarter on a 10-0 run. But Charlotte quickly turned the tables with Ball
hitting three 3s, helping the Hornets put together a 32-12 run to take the lead
heading into the fourth quarter.
The momentum swung back to the Warriors after Podziemski knocked down two 3s to
open the fourth.
The Warriors held the lead throughout the rest of the fourth quarter and
Draymond Green's tip-in off a Curry miss from deep with 1 minute remaining
pushed the lead to six. Butler hit two free throws with 17 seconds left to seal
the win.
Podziemski finished 5 of 7 from 3-point range, including a leaning 3-pointer
off one foot to beat the shot clock.
The Hornets lost despite outscoring the Warriors 56-32 in the paint.
Up Next
Warriors: Host Thunder on Friday night.
Hornets: Visit Bucks on Friday night.
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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA
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