URGENT UPDATE: In a stunning turn of events, the Charlotte Hornets handed the Oklahoma City Thunder their worst loss of the season, dominating the game with a score of 124-97 on December 18, 2023. Brandon Miller led the Hornets with an impressive 28 points, while Kon Knueppel added 23 points, marking a significant upset against the NBA leaders.
This defeat marks a historic low for the Thunder, who have now recorded their first loss to a team with a losing record since November 19, 2024. The Thunder had been on a remarkable streak, winning 45 consecutive games against teams below .500 and boasting a 50-2 record over the past two seasons.
The Thunder came into this game as a 15.5-point favorite, according to DraftKings Sportsbook, but they were unable to capitalize on their home advantage. This loss also makes them the first team in the last 35 seasons to lose by 20 or more points as a favorite of 15 or more points, a shocking statistic that emphasizes the magnitude of this defeat.
The game began with the Hornets taking an early lead, quickly establishing a 21-9 advantage. Although the Thunder, led by Ajay Mitchell‘s contributions from the bench, managed to tie the game at 33 by the end of the first quarter, Charlotte regained momentum in the second. They entered halftime with a commanding lead of 67-50.
Despite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander‘s streak of 108 straight games scoring at least 20 points, he struggled throughout the match, finishing with just 21 points on 7-for-21 shooting. This game marked his lowest field goal percentage of the season at 33%.
As the third quarter progressed, Charlotte’s LaMelo Ball delivered a highlight-reel moment, making a circus shot from the corner while standing on one leg, extending the lead to 74-55. By the end of the third quarter, Miller’s buzzer-beater three-pointer pushed the Hornets’ lead to 99-71, solidifying their control over the game.
With this defeat, the Thunder’s record now stands at 30-7, a sharp decline from their stellar start of 24-1. This marks their second consecutive loss, both at home, raising questions about their dominance in the league.
As fans and analysts digest this shocking outcome, all eyes will be on the Thunder as they regroup and prepare for their next matchup. The Hornets, on the other hand, will look to build on this momentum and turn their season around after a challenging stretch.
Stay tuned for more updates as this developing story unfolds.
