Curry's 27 lift Warriors over Bobcats 104-96

[December 11, 2012]  CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Stephen Curry put on a show for his hometown fans Monday night, finishing with 27 points, seven assists and seven rebounds to lead the surging Golden State Warriors to a 104-96 win over the struggling Charlotte Bobcats.

Curry, who grew up in Charlotte and made a name for himself leading nearby Davidson College to the brink of the Final Four in 2008, shot 10 of 22 from the field and hit four 3-pointers. It was his eighth straight 20-point game, a career best.

David Lee had 25 points and 11 rebounds for the Warriors (14-7), who have won seven of their past eight games and improved to 4-0 on their current seven-game Eastern trip.

Carl Landry added 16 points and Jarrett Jack had 12 points and six assists for Golden State.

Kemba Walker scored 24 points and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist added 17 to lead the Bobcats, who have lost eight straight since beginning the season 7-5.

Owner Michael Jordan took a seat at the end of the Bobcats' bench to try to provide a spark for his team, but it didn't work.

Charlotte had a miserable shooting night with eight airballs -- four by Byron Mullens, who was reinserted into the starting lineup for his scoring after getting benched by coach Mike Dunlap for a game. Charlotte also finished with a season-high 18 turnovers.

The Bobcats made a myriad of mistakes, including letting the 24-second clock run out without even attempting a shot.

Jordan appeared frustrated at times and tried talking to several players on the bench during breaks, both trying to teach and inspire his young team.

But this night belonged to Curry and the Warriors.

Golden State took control from the start, shooting a blazing 73 percent from the field to grab 38-23 lead. They built the lead to 21 at one point and never led by less than 10 until Walker hit a free throw with two minutes to go to cut it to 101-92.

Dunlap preached defense back in training camp, but his team has struggled of late to stop anyone.

Golden State's 38-point first quarter marked the third straight quarter Charlotte had surrendered at least 35 points dating to Saturday night's 132-102 loss to San Antonio.

NOTES: Lee came into the game averaging more than 18 points, 11 rebounds and three assists, something only four other players have done in franchise history. He scored 13 points in the first quarter. ... Brendan Haywood didn't start and saw limited action for the Bobcats for the second straight game, logging only three minutes. ... The Bobcats have surrendered at least 100 points in their last six games and nine of their last 10.

[Associated Press; By STEVE REED]

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