UPDATE: The Charlotte Hornets stunned the NBA-leading Oklahoma City Thunder with a devastating 124-97 victory on December 11, 2023, marking the Thunder’s worst loss of the season. Brandon Miller led the charge with 28 points, while Kon Knueppel added 23 points, propelling the Hornets to an impressive turnaround after losing three of four games.
This shocking defeat is significant as it represents Oklahoma City’s first loss to a team with a losing record since November 19, 2024, when they fell to the San Antonio Spurs. The Thunder, who began the season with a stellar 24-1 record, now sit at 30-7 after suffering two consecutive losses.
The game was particularly notable for the Thunder, who had previously achieved a remarkable 45-game winning streak against teams below .500. This loss marks their first by over 20 points as a favorite of 15 or more points in the last 35 seasons, a shocking statistic that underscores their fall from grace.
Oklahoma City struggled offensively, recording a season-low point total and failing to break the 100-point barrier for the first time. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the league’s second-leading scorer, managed only 21 points but shot just 7 of 21 from the field, marking a 33% shooting performance, his lowest of the season. Notably, he sat out the fourth quarter, not due to a comfortable lead, but because his team was trailing significantly.
The Hornets established an early advantage, racing to a 21-9 lead. Although the Thunder, fueled by Ajay Mitchell‘s 10 points off the bench, managed to tie the game at 33-33 by the end of the first quarter, Charlotte regained control, ending the first half with a commanding 67-50 lead.
As the game progressed, Charlotte continued to dominate, with Miller scoring 19 points before halftime. The Thunder struggled at the free-throw line, converting just 8 of 15 attempts in the first half.
In the third quarter, excitement surged as LaMelo Ball executed a stunning circus shot while standing on one leg to extend the Hornets’ lead to 74-55. Miller capped off the third quarter with a three-pointer at the buzzer, pushing Charlotte’s advantage to 99-71.
As the final buzzer echoed, the Hornets celebrated a historic victory, leaving the Thunder and their fans stunned. This defeat raises questions about Oklahoma City’s ability to rebound as they head into the next stretch of their season.
With this significant win, the Hornets could shift momentum in their favor, while the Thunder will need to reassess and regroup for their upcoming games.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
