The NBA-leading Thunder's reign was abruptly ended by the struggling Hornets in a 124-97 home loss on Monday night. Brandon Miller led the charge with 28 points, while Kon Knueppel added 23 points, helping the Hornets snap a three-game losing streak and hand the Thunder their worst defeat of the season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, known for his consistent scoring, managed only 21 points, shooting 7 out of 21 from the field. The Thunder's struggles continued, with their second straight loss and second home defeat of the season, dropping their record to 30-7 after starting 24-1. The Hornets, on the other hand, showcased their resilience, building an early 21-9 lead and eventually pulling away with a 99-71 victory. LaMelo Ball's highlight-reel play in the third quarter, a circus shot from the corner with a foot on the 3-point line, further solidified Charlotte's dominance. The Thunder's free-throw struggles continued, making just 8 out of 15 attempts in the first half. With the win, the Hornets host the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday, while the Thunder welcome the Utah Jazz to their arena.
