The Golden State Warriors secured a comfortable win over a resilient Charlotte Hornets team on Saturday, despite it being a night when the ‘Curry flurry’ never arrived. Stephen Curry was on the floor, but scarcely had room to breathe.
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Two Hornets defenders were glued to Curry at any given time. Guards Collin Sexton and rookie Sion James were so obsessed that Steph was shadowed even when play was paused.
Yes, the Golden State star is used to this type of marking. Teams know that leaving the greatest shooter of all time open is a recipe for disaster. But sometimes, like on Saturday night, things cross a line.
Curry isn’t a player who gets good whistles. And on top of that, having two or three defenders on him right through the game is exasperating. Against Charlotte, having scored just 14 points, Curry had mixed emotions about being the most guarded baller in the sport today.
“There’s a part of you that fights it just because it’s not real basketball,” Curry said in the post-match press conference. “But there’s also a part of it that’s flattering.”
It’s certainly a flex for Curry and those who support him. Even on nights when he isn’t shooting at his best, defenders stay attached to him because they know that once he catches fire, it’s nearly impossible to cool him down.
At the same time, watching other superstars around the league be left relatively open tests Curry’s patience.
“There’s a part of you that fights it just because it’s not real basketball, but there’s also a part of it that’s flattering… It’s also funny at times just how egregious it is.”
Steph on how the Hornets defended him pic.twitter.com/RalXlUOBNd
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) January 18, 2026
Curry knows that the attention on him also leaves his teammates open. So, if they capitalize on that, it’s good news for the Warriors. “It’s also funny at times just how egregious it is,” added Steph.
Against Charlotte, Curry didn’t even get too many shots off his hand. He was 2 of 7 from deep and 6-11 overall. But his teammates, especially the Warriors’ bench, stepped in. De’Anthony Melton scored 24 in 21 minutes, and Draymond Green scored 20 to help the Warriors coast to a 136-116 win.
The Golden State Warriors play the Miami Heat next on Monday.
