NBA 2026: Charlotte Hornets Hand Oklahoma City Thunder Shock 124-97 Home Loss

Oklahoma City Thunder were rocked at home as the Charlotte Hornets handed the defending champions a humbling 124-97 defeat on Tuesday, 6 January. A dominant second quarter set the tone as Charlotte controlled both ends, shot superbly from deep and dominated the boards. Brandon Miller led the way with 28 points, with Kon Knueppel and LaMelo Ball chipping in, while an off-colour Shai Gilgeous-Alexander topped the scoring for the Thunder in their second straight loss.

Updated on: 6 January 2026 12:41 pm

Charlotte Hornets vs Oklahoma City Thunder Basketball-Miles Bridges

Charlotte Hornets forwarad Miles Bridges, right, pushes past Oklahoma City Thunder guard Isaiah Joe during the second half of an NBA basketball game, in Oklahoma City. | Photo: AP/Kyle Phillips

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Charlotte Hornets vs Oklahoma City Thunder Basketball-Brandon Miller

Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller, right, drives past Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins, left, during the second half of an NBA basketball game, in Oklahoma City. | Photo: AP/Kyle Phillips

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Charlotte Hornets vs Oklahoma City Thunder Basketball-Sion James

Charlotte Hornets guard Sion James, right, drives past Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, left, during the second half of an NBA basketball game, in Oklahoma City. | Photo: AP/Kyle Phillips

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Charlotte Hornets vs Oklahoma City Thunder Basketball-Jalen Williams

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams, right, looks for an opening past Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, in Oklahoma City. | Photo: AP/Kyle Phillips

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Charlotte Hornets vs Oklahoma City Thunder Basketball-Collin Sexton

Charlotte Hornets guard Collin Sexton (8) goes up to shoot over Oklahoma City Thunder guards Kenrich Williams (34) and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, in Oklahoma City. | Photo: AP/Kyle Phillips

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Charlotte Hornets vs Oklahoma City Thunder Basketball-Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots over Charlotte Hornets guard Sion James (4) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, in Oklahoma City. | Photo: AP/Kyle Phillips

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Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams, right, pushes past Charlotte Hornets guard Sion James, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Oklahoma City. | Photo: AP/Kyle Phillips

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Charlotte Hornets vs Oklahoma City Thunder Basketball-Chet Holmgren

Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7) looks to shoot over Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller (24) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, in Oklahoma City. | Photo: AP/Kyle Phillips

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Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, left, looks to shoot over Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Oklahoma City. | Photo: AP/Kyle Phillips