Feb 25, 2019; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) drives past Golden State Warriors forward Alfonzo McKinnie (28) during the second half at the Spectrum Center. Warriors won 121-110. Photo Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
The Golden State Warriors, with a starting line up including five NBA All-Stars (past or current), flexed their muscles in a 121-110 Monday night win over the Charlotte Hornets in Stephan Curry’s annual trip back home to play in Charlotte.
Klay Thompson scored 26 points; DeMarcus Cousins scored a seasons high 24 points and had 11 rebounds; Kevin Durant scored 20 points; Curry had 16 points and Draymond Green had 14 points and 10 assists as all 5 starters scored in double figures.
The Hornets were able to stay in striking distance throughout the game, but did not have the firepower to overtake the back-to-back reigning NBA champions.
Cody Zeller had a season high 28 points to pace the Hornets scoring followed by Kemba Walker 23 points, Jeremy Lamb 16 points, Nick Batum 14 points and Marvin Williams 11 points.
The Warriors were able to spread out he Hornets defense and had eight easy dunks in the second quarter. Charlotte had defensive match-up problems the entire night with the talented Warriors. After the game Golden State Coach Steve Kerr said it was the most comfortable Cousins has looked in a Warriors uniform.
”He made a couple of moves around the hoop where he showed great agility, but I think this is the best he’s looked,” Kerr said.
Cousins was happiest that he finally eclipsed 30 minutes of playing time. “I have to hug Coach Kerr for that,” he said.
On a lighter note, in the second half Cousins received a technical foul when he tossed Jeremy Lamb’s shoe — which had fallen off in the middle of a play — into the crowd. The shoe was caught in the front row by longtime Carolina Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis. Cousins was not happy about the call after the game.
”Next time I will just step on the shoe, roll my ankle, break it, tear an Achilles, just leave it out there next time – I guess that is what they want,” Cousins said. Curry joked that next time Cousins should ”gently” toss it, saying he’s too strong. ”Well, he didn’t have an insole in his shoe, so it messed with the weight of the shoe and I put a little extra on it,” Cousins said with a grin.
The Hornets have not defeated a team with a winning record since their win over San Antonio on January 14th. Charlotte has only won six games verses teams with winning records this reason.
