Unexpected Offensive Spark

In a game where the Golden State Warriors were without their second-best player, Jimmy Butler, the team turned to unconventional sources for an offensive boost. Butler was a last-minute scratch and was replaced by rookie Will Richard in the starting lineup. The Warriors later revealed that Butler, who had previously scored 32 points against the Timberwolves, was out for personal reasons.

This absence led to an unexpected shift in strategy, with Draymond Green and Brandin Podziemski being given more shot attempts. Green responded with 20 points, including four 3-pointers, while Podziemski contributed 16 points off the bench in the Warriors’ 136-116 victory over the Hornets.

Even without one of their key players, the Warriors dominated the Hornets’ defense. They made 23 of 52 3-pointers, marking the third consecutive game they have made at least 20 triples. This achievement set a team record, according to Warriors statistics expert Darryl Arata. Additionally, the Warriors became the first franchise to have at least 10 players make a 3-pointer in three consecutive games.

Steph Curry added 14 points, while De’Anthony Melton scored 24 points. Will Richard, making his spot start, contributed 11 points. On the other side, Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel combined for 52 points for Charlotte.

The Warriors showed strong form during their ongoing 8-game homestand, leading 69-57 at halftime. Both Green and Podziemski scored exactly 10 points in the first half.

Strong Third Quarter Performance

The Hornets, led by All-Star guard LaMelo Ball, struggled against the Warriors’ offensive onslaught. Ball, who came off the bench, was aggressive but inefficient, shooting just 5 of 17 from the field. Meanwhile, the Warriors capitalized on Charlotte’s weak perimeter defense, with Melton scoring 13 points in the third quarter to help the team build a 112-94 lead after three quarters.

The Warriors (24-19) will face Miami on Monday, looking to continue their strong performance.

Buddy Hield’s Impact

With Butler’s absence, Jonathan Kuminga sidelined due to a trade request, and reserve forward Gui Santos out with an ankle injury, the Warriors had limited options on the wing. They turned to Buddy Hield, who had been a healthy spectator for several weeks. In 18 minutes of play, Hield made an immediate impact with his defense.

Known as a marksman, Hield tied his career high for blocks in a game by swatting three shots in the first quarter alone. He finished with 14 points and two steals in 18 productive minutes off the bench.

Family Reunion

Everywhere one looked at Chase Center on Saturday evening, they would see Curry:

On the court, Steph had an effective if unspectacular night against his hometown team, scoring 14 points. In the crowd, where his No. 30 jerseys were in abundance. On the injury report, where his brother Seth sat with a sciatica diagnosis. And behind the microphone, where his father, Dell, announced the game for the Hornets’ television broadcast.

The Hornets recently announced that the organization will retire Dell’s No. 30 jersey on March 19. Steph, head coach Steve Kerr, and Dell’s broadcast partner Eric Collins spoke about the honor in recent days.