Stephen Curry Headlines New Year’s Eve Matinee as Warriors Visit Hornets
As New Year’s Eve arrives, the Golden State Warriors are wrapping up their road trip with a daytime matchup against the Charlotte Hornets, and there’s plenty of intrigue around this one. Tip-off is set for early afternoon in Charlotte, and the storyline feels familiar: a seasoned Warriors team trying to close the year strong, against a young Hornets squad searching for consistency and belief.
Golden State comes into this game with a 17–16 record and a bit of momentum. Four wins in their last five games have kept them competitive in the Western Conference, even if the journey hasn’t been smooth. Their most recent outing ended in a 120–107 loss to Brooklyn, but Stephen Curry once again reminded everyone why he remains the engine of this team. His shooting, movement, and calm decision-making were on full display, and it has been Curry’s steady brilliance that has kept the Warriors hovering around league average offensively despite an aging roster.
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What has really kept Golden State afloat, though, is discipline. The ball is moved constantly, passes are stacked up, and defenses are forced to stay alert for the full shot clock. It has been said often, but it still applies: this team wins with experience and organization rather than pure athleticism. On the defensive end, that same structure shows up, with the Warriors ranking among the league’s better units despite lacking standout individual stoppers.
Charlotte, on the other hand, enters at 11–21 after a tough home loss to Milwaukee. Even so, there have been flashes of promise. Brandon Miller’s scoring punch and LaMelo Ball’s confidence from deep have kept the Hornets competitive most nights. The recent stretch has actually been encouraging, with Charlotte covering the spread more often and showing improved effort on both ends of the floor.
Injuries remain a factor for the Hornets, but reinforcements are expected. Rookie Kon Knueppel is likely to return, and his shooting ability adds another layer of intrigue, especially with Curry on the opposite side. It feels symbolic in a way, with the league’s greatest shooter lining up against one of the newest ones trying to make his mark.
Historically, this matchup has leaned heavily toward Golden State, and that trend has been hard to ignore. The Warriors have handled Charlotte well in recent years, often controlling the tempo and pulling away late. With the road trip coming to an end and the calendar about to flip, it’s expected that Golden State will look to stay focused, play smart, and take care of business.
For Charlotte, this game serves as a measuring stick. If their recent growth is real, it will be tested here. If not, the Warriors’ experience may once again tell the story, closing out 2025 with a familiar result.
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