The Hornets are coming to beat the Thunder in OKC!

Certainly, the Thunder were on a roll after their setback the previous day, at the last second in Phoenixbut no one imagined that the NBA champions would make such a shot at home. Even more so against the Hornets. However, it is very realistic, and under the leadership of Brandon Miller (28 points) and Kon Knuepel (23 points), Charlotte won 124-97 in Oklahoma City!

Thanks to a 12-0 run by the Miller-Knuepel duo, Charlotte got off to a great start and took a 21-9 lead. We had to wait for Ajay Mitchell to enter the game for OKC to regain its senses. The Belgian scored 10 points in the first quarter and he tied the score at 33-33 in the last second of the first quarter. It’s clear that the Thunder’s defense isn’t there, and they’re giving Knuepel too much freedom.

Proof that the Thunder are not in their right mind, these free throws were bothering them, but also this 3 of 12 in the half by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was already very clumsy the day before. Result, Charlotte signs another big series: 21-5. Miller scores 9 points in a row, and Moussa Diabat dominates under the board. The Thunder are just a shadow of the NBA champions, and at halftime the Hornets lead 67-50!

Crazy basket by LaMelo Ball!

The coup de grace comes early in the 3rd quarter when LaMelo Ball hits a 3-pointer while trying to prevent a layup. On one leg, at the 24-second mark, and gives the Hornets a 19-point lead (74-55). Led by her All-Star leader, Charlotte goes 11-3 to pull away. Miller continues his festival, and he knocks out the Thunder with a 3-pointer at the buzzer. There is a 28-point difference on the scoreboard (99-71)!!!

Marc Daigneault understood his team was in for a tough day and didn’t try to ask more of his superstars. As a result, the Hornets calmly led until the end of the match to eventually win 124-97. This is the Thunder’s heaviest loss this season.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

Heavy MVP. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 21 points, marking his 108th straight game with at least 20 points, the second-longest streak in NBA history. But he made only 7 of 21 shots, and the coach left him on the bench in the 4th quarter

OKC is stagnating. The reigning NBA champions started the season with 24 losses, but are now 30-7. Which means they have a barely balanced record since the NBA Cup with six wins and six losses. This is the first time they have lost two matches in a row.

Miller on top. Second overall to Victor Wembanyama in the 2023 draft, Brandon Miller was terrific in the first half. He has an elegant exterior, is capable of big rushes, and with Kon Knuppel next to him, he has more freedom in attack. And when LaMelo Ball is in a good mood, it’s pretty cool to watch.

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / 3 points in an attempt; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Difference of points when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.