Golden State’s seven-game winning streak ended tonight on the Hornets’ floor. The Warriors have yet had the opportunity to win the match but like last year, they lose in extremis in North Carolia, on the land of Stephen Curry
Despite 15 points from LaMelo Ball and seven lost balls from the Warriors, the Hornets failed to distance Steve Kerr’s players in the first quarter (30-27). Golden State has also regained the advantage thanks to a good entry from Jonathan Kuminga. It was Cody Martin, also off the bench, who kept Charlotte in contact and the two teams returned to the locker room with a score of parity (57-57).
The Golden State defense, so tight at home, lacked energy in the third quarter, giving the Hornets plenty of open shots. Despite the awakening of Miles Bridges and Terry Rozier, the latter did not take advantage, however, the fault of Andrew Wiggins. Like his last two games, he’s been aggressive and made up for the Curry-Poole duo’s lack of skill to keep the Warriors in the game. A prayer from Stephen Curry to the buzzer even gives the advantage to his team (88-87).
Both defenses then raised the tone, keeping the two teams back to back until the last minute. The Warriors’ long-distance awkwardness ended up playing them a nasty trick while, on the other side, Terry Rozier didn’t shake to give his team the win.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– LaMelo Ball sets the tone. While he had passed through in San Francisco ten days ago, LaMelo Ball this time started the meeting aggressively. Right away, he scored four of his five long attempts in the first quarter to score 15 points, or half his team’s points. Since the start of the season, the rookie of the year 2021 is also much more skillful and prolific at home (25 points per game) than away (16).
– Jonathan Kuminga still scores points. Already seen to his advantage on Friday against Chicago, the rookie confirmed this night. Steve Kerr threw him again in the first half and the winger immediately made an impact in the game. He scored nine points, attacking the circle fiercely, whether in transition or on the half. ground. He also showed a great bond with Stephen Curry. And like Friday against DeMar DeRozan, he also impressed defensively, this time against LaMelo Ball.
– Terry Rozier, annual executioner of the Warriors. Last season in Charlotte, in a tight and tense match, a contentious jump ball and a decisive basket from Terry Rozier had given the victory to the Hornets. That night in Charlotte in a close match, a new jump ball and this time nine points from “Scary Terry” gave the Hornets victory in extremis to spoil the return to the fold of Stephen Curry.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Miles Bridges. With 22 points and 8 rebounds, Miles Bridges was solid throughout the game and decisive late in the game against one of his mentors, Draymond Green. The winger has clearly taken a step forward this season, and he’s no longer just a dunk machine.
✅ Andrew Wiggins. The Golden State winger went on a high-profile third game, ending the game with 28 points and 62% success on penalties. While waiting for Klay Thompson’s return, he is Steph Curry’s most trusted Lieutenant.
⛔ Kelly Oubre Jr. As in the first match against his former team, he was disappointing, being sent off at the start of the last quarter for protesting to the referees on an unimportant action.
THE FOLLOWING
Hornets (8-7) :Charlotte will try to win a fourth straight game against Washington on Wednesday.
Warriors (11-2) :Golden State will travel to Brooklyn on Tuesday for an XXL clash between two of today’s top teams.
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