USA NBA Live Update : SGA makes his preseason debut as the @okcthunder come out victorious at home! Final Score: Hornets 116 – Thunder 122
SGA makes his preseason debut as the @okcthunder
come out victorious at home!
THURSDAY’S FINAL SCORES
SGA makes his preseason debut as the @okcthunder
come out victorious at home! Isaiah Joe: 19 PTS, 5-8 3PM Tre Mann: 18 PTS, 4-6 3PM LaMelo Ball: 15 PTS, 5 REB, 4-6 3PM Cason Wallace: 6 PTS, 10 REB, 8 AST
Game Summary: Charlotte Hornets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (Preseason, October 9, 2025)This graphic highlights a dominant preseason victory for the Oklahoma City Thunder (122) over the Charlotte Hornets (116) at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. The Thunder improved to 2-1 in the preseason, while the Hornets fell to 0-2. As the defending NBA champions from the 2024-25 season, OKC used this game to showcase depth and defensive intensity, never trailing and leading by as many as 20 points in the first half. The Hornets mounted a late fourth-quarter push, but OKC’s bench, including contributions from Jazian Gortman (7 of the final 13 points), sealed the win.Key Stats from the Graphic
- Final Score: Hornets 116 – Thunder 122
- Series Record: Hornets 0-2 | Thunder 2-1
- Featured Player: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC #2)
- Points: 16
- Assists: 5
- Played 20 minutes (first half only; sat out the second half as a precaution in preseason)
- Shooting: Efficient but limited volume—racked up points with a mix of drives, mid-range pull-ups, and playmaking. Highlight: A behind-the-back bounce pass to Lu Dort for an open three-pointer that exemplified his unpredictable scoring and vision.
Full Game RecapThe Thunder’s defense was the story, swarming Charlotte’s guards and forcing 17 turnovers while holding the Hornets to 39.4% field goal shooting (similar to their prior preseason struggles). OKC jumped out early, building a double-digit lead by halftime behind Gilgeous-Alexander’s orchestration. Even without starters in the second half, the bench maintained control, with Gortman closing strong.For Charlotte, LaMelo Ball managed 15 points in 25 minutes but was hounded by OKC’s perimeter defenders (including Cason Wallace, Luguentz Dort, and Alex Caruso). Brandon Miller and Tidjane Salaun showed flashes in the lineup experiments under new coach Charles Lee, but the team couldn’t overcome the deficit. Key injuries lingered: LaMelo Ball (ankle, limited minutes), Jalen Williams (wrist, out for OKC), and others like Chet Holmgren (managed load).
| Team | Record | Key Team Stats | Standout Performers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte Hornets | 0-2 | FG%: 39.4% 3PT%: ~29% TO: 17 Reb: 47 | LaMelo Ball: 15 PTS Brandon Miller: Double-digit scoring KON Knueppel: Rookie flashes (from prior game carryover) |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | 2-1 | FG%: 53.2% 3PT%: 40.8% TO: 16 Reb: 44 | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 16 PTS, 5 AST Aaron Wiggins: 23 PTS, 6 AST (from prior matchup) Jazian Gortman: Clutch bench scoring |
News and Highlights
- Gilgeous-Alexander’s Preseason Debut: Fresh off leading OKC to the 2025 championship as MVP and Finals MVP, SGA looked sharp in limited action, emphasizing efficiency over volume. Coach Mark Daigneault praised his “perfect storm” facilitation, noting he’d have “more options than potential fits in his closet” this season. No injury concerns; he’s expected for the regular season opener.
- Thunder’s Depth Shines: As defending champs, OKC rested stars like Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren but still dominated. The defense—bolstered by new addition Alex Caruso—foreshadows a nightmare for opponents. Next up: Road trip vs. Dallas Mavericks (Oct 12) and Indiana Pacers (Oct 18).
- Hornets’ Lineup Tweaks: Coach Lee experimented with rookies like KON Knueppel (No. 4 pick) and Tidjane Salaun, plus additions like Collin Sexton and Moussa Diabate. Despite the loss, positives in perimeter shooting, but turnovers and Ball’s ankle remain worries. Rematch vs. OKC upcoming.
- Broader Context: This was OKC’s second win in three preseason games (prior: 135-114 over CHA on Oct 5). No major injuries reported post-game, but OKC’s Ousmane Dieng showed flashes off the bench. Hornets waived Seth Curry after 76 games to clear roster space.