Charlotte starts strong and quickly leads 14-7, especially with a very skilful Gordon Hayward (3/3 shooting). Opposite, only Stephen Curry (8 points) responds to the Hornets much more aggressive, involved and disciplined than the Warriors. PJ Washington is absolutely everywhere, his 12 points allow Charlotte to take the lead at the end of this first act (34-23).
The Warriors react through Jordan Poole (12 points in 13 minutes) which allows his team to return to 3 points. But here it is, the Hornets are putting back the ingredients for the first quarter. The trio Hayward / Washington / Oubre Jr, author of 40 points gives headaches to the defense of Golden State which can only see the damage. Charlotte returns to the locker room with a 12-point advantage (62-50).
After the break, we are entitled to the famous 3rd quarter assassin of the Warriors. The Hornets are constantly overrun on every opposing attack. In the wake of the Splash Brothers, everyone bites into the apple. Golden State inflicts a 33-18 on Charlotte and passes in front (83-80).
The last quarter is balanced, and we even get some Hack-a-Plumlee from the Warriors. It’s a sign of impotence… The two teams go blow for blow in a money time which sees Dennis Smith Jr snatch the extension (107-107). In the extra period, it was Jalen McDaniels who put the Hornets on the right track, assisted by Smith Jr and PJ Washington. Still in the reaction, the Warriors lost to the Hornets of a very large PJ Washington (31 points).
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– Solid Hornets. Deprived of Lamelo Ball and Terry Rozier, Charlotte showed her collective strength. The Hayward / Washington / Oubre Jr trio combined for 72 points against the Warriors. Dennis Smith Jr and Jalen McDaniels were present in the money time; then the extension.
– The duo Curry / Poole too lonely. They scored 55 of Golden State’s 113 points between them. That’s almost half of the team’s total. Steve Kerr has been complaining for a week about his “second unit”, and it’s true that apart from Poole, there is no regular contributor, and the defensive level is very weak.
– The Warriors’ 3-point address. Stephen Curry’s teammates were in Lakers mode tonight: 29.5% from 3-pointers.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ PJ Washington. He walked on water during this game. Aggressive and dedicated from start to finish, he contributed greatly to his team’s success: 31 points at 13/23 shooting.
✅ Gordon Hayward. It was he who set the tone from the start with his 3/3 shooting, his match is relatively clean: 23 points at 8/16 shooting.
✅ Kelly Oubre Jr. Here is one who did not want to miss his reunion with Golden State, and the least we can say is that he responded: 18 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. He always brings this madness that sets the room on fire and destabilizes the opponent.
⛔️ Clay Thompson. Bad match for him with a lack of skill throughout the match: 5/14 shooting including 1/7 from 3 points. The All-Star guard is yet to enter his season.
THE FOLLOWING
Hornets: Sacramento Reception Monday-Tuesday Night (Midnight)
Warriors: Travel to Detroit on Sunday (11:00 p.m.)
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