The Golden State Warriors just pulled off a win that felt like a vintage 2016 fever dream, though the faces on the floor have definitely changed. If you’re looking for the short answer to who won the Golden State Warriors game on Saturday night, January 17, 2026, it was Golden State. They absolutely dismantled the Charlotte Hornets with a 136-116 victory at Chase Center.
But honestly, the final score doesn’t even tell the whole story.
This wasn't just another January win against a struggling Eastern Conference team. This was a record-breaking shooting exhibition that should have every other team in the West checking their perimeter defense. We're talking about a night where the Warriors made 23 of their 52 three-point attempts.
Think about that for a second.
They weren't just hitting shots; they were sharing the wealth in a way we rarely see in the modern, iso-heavy NBA. Ten different players made at least one triple. That isn't just a high number—it’s actually a piece of history. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the Warriors are now the first team in NBA history to have at least 10 players make a three-pointer in three consecutive games.
The Unlikely Hero: De’Anthony Melton’s Big Night
Most people expect Stephen Curry to be the one leading the charge when the Warriors drop 136 points. While Curry was his usual gravitational self, he actually had a bit of a quiet night on the scoreboard, finishing with 14 points. He didn't even make a three in the first half!
Instead, it was De’Anthony Melton who stepped into the spotlight.
Melton put up 24 points, leading a balanced attack that saw eight—yes, eight—Warriors score in double figures. He’s been on an absolute tear lately, and his ability to slot into that secondary scoring role is becoming the X-factor for Steve Kerr's rotation.
💡 You might also like: Liverpool Standings Champions League: Why Arne Slot’s Reds Are Defying the Experts
Draymond Green also looked like he found the fountain of youth, chipping in 20 points of his own. When Draymond is scoring 20, the Warriors almost never lose. It changes the entire geometry of the floor because defenses can't just ignore him to double-team Curry.
How the Game Actually Flowed
It wasn't a total blowout from the jump. The Hornets actually made it interesting for a minute there. Charlotte’s Brandon Miller was a problem all night, dropping a game-high 28 points, and rookie Kon Knueppel looked legitimate with 24 points and 11 rebounds.
At one point in the third quarter, the Hornets cut the lead to just three points.
Chase Center got a little quiet. You could feel that "here we go again" energy in the air. But then, the Warriors' depth just took over. They responded with a 20-5 run that effectively ended the contest. Buddy Hield hit a dagger corner three that put the lead back up to 18, and the Hornets never recovered.
The bench was the real story here. Golden State's second unit combined for a staggering 72 points. In a league where star power usually dictates the winner, the Warriors won this one through sheer depth and a relentless "next man up" mentality.
Addressing the Butler Absence
One detail a lot of people missed: Jimmy Butler was a late scratch for personal reasons. Usually, losing a vet like Butler would throw a team's rhythm off, especially on the wing.
Instead, Steve Kerr gave the start to rookie Will Richard.
📖 Related: Cricket 3rd Test India vs Australia: What Most People Get Wrong About This Series
Richard didn't look like a deer in headlights. He finished with 11 points and played solid defense, helping bridge the gap while Butler was away. It’s these kinds of roster wins that determine whether a team is a playoff pretender or a title contender come April.
What This Means for the Standings
With this win, the Warriors move to 24-19 on the season. They’ve won three in a row and are 5-1 on this current eight-game homestand.
They’re finally starting to look like the team the front office envisioned when they overhauled the roster last summer. The chemistry between the old guard (Curry, Green) and the new additions (Melton, Richard) is finally clicking.
For the Hornets, it's back to the drawing board. They’ve got talent—Brandon Miller is a future All-Star—but they just don’t have the defensive discipline to hang with a team that moves the ball as well as Golden State does.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
- Watch the Bench: Keep a close eye on the Warriors' bench scoring in the next few games. If they continue to get 50+ from the reserves, they are a "buy" for the upcoming road trip.
- The 3-Point Streak: Keep tracking the "10 players with a 3-pointer" stat. If they hit it again on Monday, it moves from a fluke to a fundamental shift in how they play.
- Injury Watch: Monitor Jimmy Butler’s status. While they won without him tonight, they’ll need his veteran presence for the upcoming back-to-back.
- Monday Night Preview: The Warriors host the Miami Heat next. This will be a much tougher test for their offense, as Miami’s zone defense is notorious for slowing down high-volume shooting teams.
Check the injury reports two hours before tip-off on Monday to see if Butler returns, as that will drastically change the defensive matchups against Miami's wing scorers.