For two quarters, the Warriors offense looked lost. Rather than consistently making runs, they consistently missed shots, layups and fast break opportunities, while watching Malik Monk and the Charlotte Hornets waltz to the free throw line and pull in 28 rebounds. Having shot just 35 percent in the half, the Warriors stared down an 48-39 deficit, lucky it wasn't more.
But then the third quarter happened. Although the faces may have changed, the dominance did not. On the back of Alec Burks nailing three consecutive three point field goals and D'Angelo Russell pouring in 11 points, the same old Warrior attack was prevalent, as they connected on 14-of-16 shots, including 6-of-7 from deep. Scoring 39 points, more points than they had in the entire first half, while holding the Hornets to 15 points, flipping the deficit into an 76-63 advantage.
Stephen Curry again led the offensive charge with 35 points, seven rebounds and four assists, connecting on 6-of-8 three point field goals, all of which came after a disappointing 2-for-9 first quarter. Russell tallied his third straight double-double with 21 points, six rebounds and 10 assists and Burks had 12 points off the bench.
After trading baskets early in the third quarter, the Warriors ripped off a 10-0 run to tie the game at 52, highlighted by a pair of Willie Cauley-Stein (10 points, two rebounds) dunks. Again, the Hornets and Warriors traded baskets, until Burks checked back in with just over three minutes to play. From there, it didn't take long for him to make his presence felt. Burks nailed threes on consecutive possessions, pushing the Warrior lead to 64-58. After a Marvin Williams three cut the lead in half, Russell got loose for a fast break layup before Burks' third three of the quarter. Russell would nail a three with six seconds remaining to give the Warriors a 76-63 edge headed to the fourth.
Curry - 35
Russell - 21
Burks - 12
Green - 13
Curry - 7
Russell - 6
Russell - 10
Green - 6
Curry - 4
Monk - 28
Rozier III - 22
Kidd-Gilchrist - 11
Rozier III - 8
Biyombo - 8
Kidd-Gilchrist - 6
Rozier III - 6
Three Players - 2
Two Players - 1