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Curry Shines in Homecoming, Warriors Topple Hornets in High-Scoring Affair

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Stephen Curry delivered a stellar performance in his annual return to Charlotte, scoring 26 points as the Golden State Warriors defeated the Hornets 132-125 on Wednesday night. The game, played before a record-breaking crowd of 19,685 at the Spectrum Center, saw the Warriors secure their fifth win in six games.

While Curry led the charge, Brandon Podziemski and Jimmy Butler each contributed 19 points for Golden State. Gui Santos added 13 points off the bench with three 3-pointers as part of the team’s impressive 24-for-49 performance from beyond the arc.

Charlotte’s Brandon Miller led all scorers with 33 points, while LaMelo Ball added 27, hitting an impressive 7 of 10 from 3-point range. Rookie Kon Knueppel also chipped in with 20 points in his return from injury. The Hornets played without starters Miles Bridges and Ryan Kalkbrenner because of injuries.

After leading by five at halftime, the Warriors looked poised for a blowout, opening the third quarter with a 10-0 run. However, the Hornets responded with a 32-12 run of their own, fueled by Ball’s hot shooting, to take the lead. Podziemski’s two early 3-pointers in the fourth quarter helped the Warriors regain control. Draymond Green’s tip-in late in the fourth and a pair of free throws by Jimmy Butler sealed the victory.

The Hornets, despite outscoring the Warriors in the paint 56-32, couldn’t overcome Golden State’s potent outside shooting.

Looking Ahead:

The Warriors will host the Thunder on Friday night, while the Hornets will travel to face the Bucks.

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