Hornets Dominate Thunder in 27-Point Victory.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Brandon Miller led the Charlotte Hornets with 28 points as they defeated the NBA-leading Oklahoma City Thunder 124-97 on Monday night. Kon Knueppel contributed 23 points, helping Charlotte bounce back from a three-loss stretch and handing the Thunder their largest defeat of the season. The Thunder also scored under 100 points for the first time this season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 21 points, marking his 108th consecutive game with at least 20 points, the second-longest streak in NBA history. He made 7 of 21 field-goal attempts and sat out the fourth quarter because the Thunder trailed by a wide margin. The Thunder, who began the season 24-1 and are defending NBA champions, fell to 30-7 after the loss, marking their second consecutive defeat and second home loss of the season. Charlotte built an early 21-9 advantage, but Oklahoma City responded with Ajay Mitchell contributing 10 points off the bench to tie the score at 33 by the end of the first quarter. The Hornets regained control in the second, leading 67-50 at halftime, with Miller scoring 19 points before the break. Oklahoma City struggled at the free-throw line, making just eight of 15 attempts in the first half, while Gilgeous-Alexander was limited to nine points on 3-of-12 shooting.

Early in the third quarter, LaMelo Ball made a spectacular circus shot from the corner while keeping one foot on the three-point line, increasing Charlotte's lead to 74-55. Miller’s three-pointer at the end of the third extended the lead to 99-71, and the Hornets maintained control for the remainder of the game.

Next Games:

• Hornets: vs. Toronto Raptors, Wednesday

• Thunder: vs. Utah Jazz, Wednesday