UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, the Charlotte Hornets delivered the Oklahoma City Thunder their worst loss of the season, defeating them 124-97 on December 25, 2023. Brandon Miller led the Hornets with an impressive 28 points, while Kon Knueppel contributed 23 points to seal the victory.
The Thunder, who entered the game as a 15.5-point favorite, suffered their second consecutive defeat and are now 30-7 after starting the season with a remarkable 24-1 record. This is the first time in 35 seasons that a favored team lost by over 20 points after being favored by 15 points or more.
The loss marks a significant moment in the season for the Thunder as they recorded their lowest point total, failing to reach 100 points for the first time this year. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the league’s second-leading scorer, managed only 21 points, shooting a disappointing 33% from the field. This performance breaks a streak of 108 consecutive games with at least 20 points—the second-longest in NBA history.
The Hornets jumped to an early lead, dominating the first quarter with a score of 21-9. Although the Thunder tied the game at 33-33 by the end of the first period, they struggled to maintain momentum. The Hornets surged ahead, leading 67-50 at halftime, showcasing their offensive prowess.
Charlotte’s control continued into the second half, highlighted by a remarkable circus shot from LaMelo Ball, which pushed the lead to 74-55. Miller’s buzzer-beater three-pointer in the third extended the lead further to 99-71, firmly establishing the Hornets’ dominance.
The Thunder’s inability to convert at the free-throw line, making only 8 of 15 in the first half, added to their woes. This match stands as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of the NBA, especially as the defending champions now face challenges against lower-ranked teams.
As the Hornets celebrate this unexpected victory, the Thunder will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next game. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Oklahoma City responds to this stunning defeat.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
