Thunder ride a dominant third quarter to beat Hornets
The Oklahoma City Thunder extended their winning streak to five games with a 109-96 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday night in Charlotte. Led by a prolific 33-point performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a 25-point effort from Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City pulled away in the crucial third period and never looked back.
First half sets the stage
Both teams came out with a defensive focus, trading baskets as the game featured a tense, playoff-like atmosphere. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander carried the load for the Thunder early, using his length and quick first step to attack the paint and create offense for teammates. Holmgren added a steady scoring punch, demonstrating the versatility that makes him one of the league’s most exciting young big men.
Charlotte showed resilience, keeping the game within reach through the first half. The Hornets leaned on their guards to push tempo and attempted to match the offensive pace set by the Thunder. The two teams traded runs, and the halftime score kept the contest within striking distance for a potential Hornets rally.
Turning point: The Thunder’s third-quarter surge
Everything clicked for Oklahoma City after the break. The Thunder outscored Charlotte by a wide margin in the third period, turning a tight game into a double-digit lead. The combination of efficient shooting, relentless defense, and timely bench contributions propelled the Thunder forward.
Gilgeous-Alexander continued to deliver at a high level, mixing finishing at the rim with accurate mid-range and three-point shooting. Holmgren’s presence in the post and around the arc opened up multiple scoring opportunities for teammates. OKC’s defense also tightened, contesting shots and forcing several Hornets turnovers that led to fast-break opportunities.
Role players step up for Oklahoma City
Beyond the stars, several Thunder contributors provided crucial support. A handful of reserve guards and forwards logged meaningful minutes, maintaining the pace and defensive intensity during the stretch runs. Their effort helped sustain the advantage as Charlotte tried to mount a fourth-quarter comeback that ultimately fell short.
Charlotte’s offense faced a wall in the third period, with shots clanging off the rim and turnovers piling up. The Hornets did not lack effort, but the Thunder’s on-ball pressure and disciplined rotations limited the quality looks for Charlotte’s scorers. As the fourth quarter began, Oklahoma City still held a comfortable cushion, and the outcome felt largely secure for the visitors.
Final numbers and takeaways
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 33 points, showcasing the form that has made him a perennial All-Star and one of the league’s most dynamic offensive players. Chet Holmgren, adding 25 points, demonstrated his potential as a two-way contributor who can influence the game both inside and on the perimeter. The Thunder’s balanced attack, combined with a decisive third quarter, earned them the win and extended their current streak to five straight victories.
For the Hornets, the late-quarter push was not enough to turn the tide, but the performance offered reminders of the team’s potential and the young core’s growth. The game highlighted the ongoing development in Charlotte, especially in areas like decision-making against pressure and capitalizing on opportunities in transition.
Looking ahead
Oklahoma City will look to maintain momentum as they continue their road schedule and seek to solidify their standing in the Western Conference. Charlotte will regroup, hoping to build on defensive stops and offensive efficiency at home, with the goal of converting close games into wins against similarly tough opponents.
