In a thrilling display of basketball prowess, Stephen Curry’s homecoming game in Charlotte became a spectacle of precision and nostalgia, as he dropped 26 points to lead the Golden State Warriors to a 132-125 victory over the Hornets. But here’s where it gets controversial—despite Curry’s stellar performance and the Warriors’ dominance from beyond the arc (24 of 49 three-pointers), the Hornets nearly stole the show with a furious comeback in the third quarter. Was this a testament to Golden State’s resilience, or a missed opportunity for Charlotte?
Playing in front of a record-breaking 19,685 fans at the Spectrum Center, Curry—a Charlotte native and Davidson College alum—was backed by Brandon Podziemski and Jimmy Butler, who each contributed 19 points. Gui Santos added 13 points off the bench, including three crucial three-pointers. Yet, the Hornets’ Brandon Miller (33 points) and LaMelo Ball (27 points, 7-of-10 from three) kept the game electrifying. Rookie Kon Knueppel also impressed with 20 points in his return from injury. But this is the part most people miss: Charlotte’s 56-32 dominance in the paint wasn’t enough to overcome Golden State’s perimeter prowess.
The game’s momentum swung wildly. After the Warriors’ 10-0 run to start the third, the Hornets responded with a 32-12 surge, only to see Golden State regain control in the fourth. Draymond Green’s tip-in with a minute left sealed the deal, leaving fans wondering: Could Charlotte have clinched the win with starters Miles Bridges and Ryan Kalkbrenner healthy?
In other NBA action, the Atlanta Hawks snapped a seven-game losing streak with a 126-102 win over the Timberwolves, fueled by Jalen Johnson’s 34 points and Kristaps Porzingis’ return. Meanwhile, the Orlando Magic’s Paolo Banchero hit a clutch 11-foot shot with 7.5 seconds left to edge the Pacers 112-110, extending Indiana’s losing streak to 10 games. Is this the start of a Magic resurgence without Franz Wagner?
Lastly, the Cleveland Cavaliers halted the Phoenix Suns’ four-game winning streak with a 129-113 victory, led by Donovan Mitchell’s 34 points and a dominant fourth quarter. But here’s the question: Can the Suns maintain their momentum in 2026 after a December slump? And for the Cavaliers, is this the beginning of a playoff push?
What’s your take? Do the Warriors’ three-point reliance make them vulnerable against paint-dominant teams? Could the Hornets have turned the tide with a full roster? Share your thoughts below—let’s spark a debate!
