Despite the absences of Jonathan Kuminga and Klay Thompson, the Warriors were serious in Charlotte to win a third straight away game. They took control of the match from the first minutes leading by 13 points at the start of the second quarter (36-23).
Five lost balls, however, revive Charlotte, and 11 points from Davis Bertans (14 points) bring the Hornets back to -2. But a buzzer beater from Stephen Curry (23 points) restores the momentum to the Warriors at halftime (50-45).
Regional of the stage, Curry continues his momentum to allow his team to start the third quarter with a 23-9 (73-54). Despite the start of Miles Bridges (22 points, 9 rebounds), the Hornets are KO standing. Andrew Wiggins (20 points, 8 assists, 8 rebounds), Moses Moody (15 points), and Trayce Jackson-Davis (18 points, 9 rebounds) drive the point home to increase the gap to +23 and move towards a controlled victory .
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– Golden State’s defense raises its voice. For the third time in a row, the Warriors limited their opponent to less than 100 points (92, 93, 97). Last night, the young Hornets had a hard time finding their rhythm. They finished the game at 40% shooting and 26% from 3-point range, and only scored 38 points in the paint compared to 64 for the Warriors!
– The spark lit by Stephen Curry. Stephen Curry's buzzer beater at halftime might seem innocuous but it allowed the Warriors to stop the momentum opponent and use it as a springboard to start the second half. Until then Curry had only taken two shots, this buzzer beater put him back into rhythm and the Hornets paid the price in the third quarter. The Warriors won the period 39-26 to take cover.
– More fear than harm For Brandon Miller. Author of 31 points in Charlotte's victory against Cleveland on the night of Wednesday to Thursday, Miller had difficulty against Andrew Wiggins, Moses Moody, and Gary Payton II. He started the match 0/4 on shots and was 4/14 after three quarters. The rookie, however, continued to fight but he twisted his ankle in the last quarter. However, he returned to the game to finish the match.
How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
