Durant powers Warriors, James dominates Kings
Los Angeles: Kevin Durant finished with 35 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists for his ninth career triple double on Wednesday as the under-manned Golden State Warriors defeated the Charlotte Hornets 101-87.
The Warriors won their fifth straight and the seventh in their last eight games despite playing without superstar Stephen Curry and forward Draymond Green.
Durant had 16 points in the first quarter, quickly setting the tone for the game at the Spectrum Center arena. He finished 13 of 28 from the field and hit three three-pointers.
Durant said his teammates did a good job of picking up the slack with Curry and Green out.
"I think everybody just rallied around each other, from the coaches to the players to the trainers, everybody," Durant said. "The defense was on point tonight and we got off to a good start."
Golden State coach Steve Kerr was impressed with the way Durant carried the team to victory.
"What a luxury to be able to just throw him the ball, especially with Steph out," Kerr said. "He took over. It wasn't really scripted, it was just a natural product of Steph being out, Draymond being out.