Thunder Run Out of Steam, Drop Preseason Game to Hornets

The Thunder fell short against Charlotte while resting its starters on Sunday afternoon.

After Lu Dort’s homecoming and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s exciting debut, the starters took a rest in Charlotte. The Thunder’s young guns and reserved took on the Hornets starting group, ultimately coming up short 117-115.

The Thunder's second-year big man was Sunday night's star. Jaylin Williams poured in 18 points on 7-of-10 shooting, nine rebounds, three assists and a block. Aaron Wiggins had a stellar outing too, adding 16 points on 6-of-12 from the floor and 2-of-4 from 3-point range.

Tre Mann had a big night off the bench adding 18 points, eight rebounds and five assists in 30 minutes. The microwave scorer was 7-of-16 from the floor and drilled two triples.

The loss drops the Thunder to 1-2 on the preseason, but the experience is invaluable for the youthful core. Oklahoma City knows what to expect from Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey and Jalen Williams, but the difference maker will be the outside help the team receives from its role players.

Chet Holmgren received a break, too, after his strong start to the preseason. It was a true chance for the unheralded young players to shine in preseason action.

The most notable news from Sunday’s preseason game has to do with the Thunder’s 2023 lottery pick Cason Wallace, who was injured and ruled out with a big toe sprain. It’s an unfortunate injury for Wallace, who had a chance to fight for playing time this preseason.

Oklahoma City held steady against the full-force Hornets in the first half, but struggled to guard Charlotte’s stars. PJ Washington in particular gave the Thunder lots of trouble, scoring 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting in just 14 minutes. Lamelo Ball and Terry Rozier added 14 and 12 first-half points, too.

In the third quarter, the Hornets built a massive lead against the Thunder reserves. Charlotte rookie Nick Smith Jr. added nine points in 12 minutes, adding to the Hornet lead.

With 6:04 left in the fourth, the Thunder's comeback run started. Oklahoma City trailed 109-99 before Ousmane Dieng's layup to start things off.

With 46 seconds remaining, the Thunder had the ball down just two points, 116-114. Wiggins was fouled with a chance to send the game to overtime. The Thunder wing converted on the first free throw but missed his second attempt. Dieng got the rebound, allowing Oklahoma City a timeout, but Jeremiah Robinson-Earl would miss the layup attempt to win the game.

Washington's big night was too much to overcome, building on his big first half with 11 second-half points. In total, Washington netted 31 points.

Next up, Oklahoma City returns home to face off against the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night at 7 p.m. After Milwaukee, the Thunder will have just one more preseason game.

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