Golden State WarriorsOpen full analysis
Charlotte HornetsOpen full analysis
Golden State defeated Charlotte 132–125 on December 31 at Spectrum Center, with the Warriors' three-point barrage proving decisive in a game that finished below the Vegas total of 234.5. Brandon Miller led the Hornets with 33 points while LaMelo Ball added 27, but Charlotte's defense surrendered 24 three-pointers and allowed Golden State to shoot 55.4 percent from the field. Stephen Curry paced the Warriors with 26 points, supported by J. Butler III's 19 as Golden State's second-quarter explosion—39 points—established crucial separation. Both teams grabbed 37 rebounds and dished 35 assists, yet the Warriors' 132.7 offensive rating overpowered Charlotte's 119.6, while Golden State's league-leading perimeter shooting compensated for 19 turnovers. The Hornets' third-quarter surge (36 points) kept them competitive, but a fourth-quarter collapse (25 points) sealed the outcome. Golden State's balanced offensive attack and three-point efficiency underscore their continued depth as a contender.
