Defending NBA champions the Oklahoma City Thunder kicked off preseason with a commanding 135-114 victory over the Charlotte Hornets at North Charleston Coliseum on Sunday. Oklahoma City controlled the game from the start, leading 36-26 after the first quarter and pushing the margin to 70-57 by halftime.
The Thunder extended their advantage in the third with a 37-31 edge, relying on sharp shooting and quick transitions. A 28-26 final frame sealed the win as reserves maintained the pressure.
Aaron Wiggins paced the visitors with 23 points on 10-of-14 shooting, adding six assists along the way. Chris Youngblood chipped in 20 from the bench, draining five of eight three-pointers.
Jazian Gortman rounded out the double-digit scorers with 15 points and four assists. He finished 7-of-12 from the field in efficient fashion.
Oklahoma City connected on 53.2% of shots overall, including 20-of-49 from deep at 40.8%. The team scored 44 points in the paint while matching Charlotte there.
The Hornets shot 39.4% and made 15 of 51 threes at 29.4%. They managed 44 interior points but trailed in efficiency.
Rookie Kon Knueppel led Charlotte with 18 points, hitting four threes in the effort. LaMelo Ball followed with 11 points and three assists on 4-of-7 shooting.
Oklahoma City forced 17 turnovers from the hosts, turning them into 25 points. The Thunder added 17 fast-break scores for separation.
Bench units traded blows, with the visitors holding a slim 61-63 edge. Players like Youngblood provided the spark needed.
Oklahoma City secured 44 rebounds, including eight offensive ones for extra looks. Charlotte grabbed 47 boards but committed costly miscues.
The Thunder tallied 29 points off extended possessions. Their 11 steals fueled transition chances.
Nikola Topic contributed 10 points and seven assists in the win. He set up key plays in the flow.
Tre Mann added seven points and five assists for the Hornets. He focused on distribution amid the deficit.
