Steph Curry’s homecoming spoils Kon Kneuppel’s return

CHARLOTTE HORNETS

Brandon Miller (right) of the Charlotte Hornets reacts with teammate Lamelo Ball during the first half of the game against the Golden State Warriors at Spectrum Center on Dec. 31, 2025.

The Charlotte Hornets were on the losing end of another close game.

This time it was against Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors (18-16) after giving up 34 fourth quarter points. After the Warriors started the third quarter on a 10-0 run, the Hornets battled back and held a five-point lead until costly plays shifted the momentum.

“Obviously not happy about the results,” Hornets (11-22) coach Charles Lee said, “but I am really happy with the group. I think when you play a team like the Warriors… and a player like Curry and all the pieces around him, they force you to kind of do some different things. I think we took our defense to another level. We added some layers. We added some tools. The guys really competed within it. And I thought the togetherness of the group was really good to try to cover for each other all night, to try to get the ball out of Curry's hands.”

Four Hornets scored in double figures: Collin Sexton (16), Kon Knuppel (20), LaMelo Ball (27) and Brandon Miller (33), the second straight game for Miller to tally more than 30. Charlotte was without Miles Bridges after he sustained an ankle injury Monday against Milwaukee. 

“That’s a good young team,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “They’ve done a really good job putting together a roster of guys who you can tell they love. They are talented and not an easy team to beat. We had to make 24 threes to win a close game, so that tells you how well they are playing.”

Curry said of Knuppel, who returned after missing a game with an ankle injury: “[He is] impressive. For as young as he is, he plays with such composure. He obviously can shoot the ball at a high level. You can’t leave him open at all. He just has such a good quick release. He is shooting with confidence, and his playmaking is very underrated too.”

Knueppel admitted it felt weird being sidelined.

“It’s tough to miss one,” he said. “I hadn’t missed a game in all of high school or college, so it was a weird feeling. I was getting really shaky before the last game because I wanted to be out there. We got in a really good spot with the rehab we did, starting in the third quarter of the Orlando game, just getting the ankle ready to go. Honestly, I didn’t notice it out there at all.”

Miller has quickly become arguably the best player for the Hornets when boast as well. 

“I feel great,” he said. “Just glad to be back playing with my guys, encouraging them while I’m on the court with them this time. I took that long year off, encouraging everyone off the court, but now that I’m finally back and helping everybody, that’s all I can ask for.”

Knueppel added: “Brandon’s been great. He’s at his best when he’s aggressive, and aggressive to make plays, whether the shot or the pass. The last couple games, it’s been more with his scoring ability. He’s, as we saw before, a willing passer and a good passer. We just want him to be aggressive, be playing downhill, getting to the bucket and being aggressive. He’s been doing great for us.”
A losing record isn’t ideal heading into a new year, but if the Hornets can continue to get healthy early January sets up well for them with winnable games against Chicago (10-20), Indiana (6-27) and Utah (12-20). 

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