By Barbara Mason

The Golden State Warriors (39-34) beat the struggling Charlotte Hornets (18-55) Friday night. The Hornets got close a few times in this game but could not handle the Warriors despite Golden State being without Jonathan Kuminga and Klay Thompson. The final score was 115-97.

Game recap: The Warriors were off to the races from the start of the first quarter leading after the first 12 minutes 26-17. The Hornets pushed back outscoring Golden State in the second quarter 28-24 and at halftime Golden State had a 50-45 lead.

This game was close partially due to the eight turnovers in the first half by the Warriors but the good news for Golden State was that they had held the Hornets to 36% shooting. With the Warriors shooting around 51%, 36 % will not win very many games.

The Warriors really pushed this game out in the third quarter after the Hornets pulled to within six points. After the first seven minutes of the quarter Golden State began to take this game away leading 77-59. After three quarters, the Warriors had this game well in hand, despite the drama that has plagued the team, leading 89-71. The Warriors were 12 minutes away from their 21st win on the road.

The Warriors upped their intensity mid-way through the fourth quarter leading 108-87. The final was 115-97 in favor of Golden State. For the third straight game, the Warriors had held their opponent to under a 100 points. With this season winding down there can be no further missteps this season and they really did a number on Charlotte Friday. Golden State is on a roll right now. They are 13-3 on their last 16 road trips.

Stephen Curry had the high with 23 points and Andrew Wiggins continues to step up scoring 20 points with eight rebounds. Off the bench Moses Moody had 15 points and he was 4 of 5 from beyond the Arc. Draymond Green came back well in this game with eight points and eight rebounds. Trayce Jackson-Davis and Chris Paul also scored double digits. This was a true team win with everybody chipping in.

Post game notes: Friday night the Warriors took on the Hornets for the second time this season. The Warriors won the first game back on February 23 by the score of 97-84. They won this game but Golden State has seen far stranger things especially since the season is winding down.

The Warriors are reeling after Green had his fourth ejection of the season. Green did say that he deserved to be ejected but the question still remains why does this keep happening?

This is a critical time of the season for the Warriors and they can ill afford any more blow-ups from Green while they are fighting to remain relevant in the playoff picture. They are currently fighting to remain in the tenth place.

Despite the ejection, the Warriors stepped up big time against a very tough Orlando Magic winning that game 101-93. Andrew Wiggins was a huge part of the win scoring the team high of 23 points.

The Hornets are struggling this season but had a huge win over the Cleveland Cavaliers Wednesday night. The Warriors played without Kuminga who continues to miss another game with left knee soreness and Thompson who missed tonight’s game with right knee tendinitis.

The Hornets LaMelo Ball will miss the remainder of the season with ankle tendinopathy. He has not played since January 26th and originally was injured last year on November 26th. He has missed so many games this season and is a large part of the struggles that Charlotte has had.

Easter Sunday afternoon the Golden State Warriors will take on another struggling team in the San Antonio Spurs. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 4:00 PM.