The Charlotte Hornets delivered a stunning performance against the Oklahoma City Thunder, winning 124-97 on March 4, 2024. This defeat marks the Thunder’s worst loss of the season and their first defeat to a team with a losing record since November 19, 2024. Brandon Miller led the Hornets with 28 points, while Kon Knueppel contributed 23 points, helping the Hornets secure a decisive victory.
This loss was particularly significant for Oklahoma City, who had previously been dominant against teams below .500, boasting a record of 45 consecutive wins against such opponents. The Thunder, after a strong start of 24-1, now find themselves with a record of 30-7. The defeat also served as a wake-up call, as the team had been heavily favored, entering the game as a 15.5-point favorite, according to DraftKings Sportsbook. This loss becomes historic, making the Thunder the first team in 35 seasons to lose by 20 or more points while favored by at least 15 points.
The game began with Charlotte taking an early lead, jumping to a 21-9 advantage. However, the Thunder fought back, with Ajay Mitchell scoring 10 points off the bench to help tie the game at 33 by the end of the first quarter. The Hornets regained their momentum in the second quarter, leading 67-50 at halftime, as Miller scored 19 points before the break.
Oklahoma City’s struggles were evident, as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the league’s second-leading scorer, was limited to just 21 points on 7 of 21 shooting. This marked his lowest field goal percentage of the season at 33%. Notably, Gilgeous-Alexander sat out the fourth quarter, not due to a lead, but because of the significant deficit faced by his team.
In a standout moment early in the third quarter, LaMelo Ball executed an impressive play, catching a ball heading out of bounds and making a circus shot from the corner while standing on one leg. This highlight pushed Charlotte’s advantage to 74-55. By the end of the third quarter, Miller’s buzzer-beater three-pointer extended the lead to 99-71, and the Hornets maintained control throughout the final period.
The Thunder’s performance against Charlotte serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of the NBA season. Following this loss, Oklahoma City will need to regroup as they look to bounce back in their upcoming matches. The Hornets, having struggled in recent games, will surely take confidence from this impressive victory.
With the potential for a turnaround in form, the NBA landscape continues to evolve, and fans can expect further exciting matchups in the weeks to come.
