Thunder’s upset loss to Hornets marks sixth loss in final 12 video games

The Oklahoma City Thunder nonetheless have the very best document within the NBA and are thought-about the favourite to win the NBA Championship. But even the very best run into lulls throughout an 82-game season.

That was illustrated Monday night time when the Thunder misplaced to the Charlotte Hornets, 124-97, at Paycom Center. The Thunder, who began the season 24-1 and sparked discuss of if they might problem the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors all-time finest regular-season mark of 73-9, fell to 30-7 and 6-6 of their final 12 video games. Three of these losses got here towards San Antonio. Before Monday, Portland was the one staff with a dropping document to beat the Thunder. That occurred on Nov. 5 and was OKC’s first lack of the season and simply OKC’s second loss at residence.Monday’s defeat was the  second time the defending NBA champions have misplaced back-to-back video games. The Thunder misplaced at Phoenix on Sunday.

The Thunder shot simply 37 % from the sphere, together with 11 of 39 from 3-point vary (28 %). Reigning league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shot 7-for-21 in scoring 21 factors.

The Hornets (13-23) outscored the Thunder 66-38 over the second and third quarters and led by as many as 30 factors within the fourth quarter. Charlotte closed the second quarter on a 22-10 run.

Six Hornets scored in double figures, led by Brandon Miller with 28. Charlotte shot 53 % (19-for-37 from 3, 51 %) towards OKC’s often stingy protection. The Hornets additionally held a 52-34 rebounding benefit. The Hornets dedicated 21 turnovers to OKC’s seven, however that didn’t matter with their sizzling capturing.

Oklahoma City has video games towards two extra groups with dropping data (Utah on Wednesday, at Memphis Friday) earlier than internet hosting Miami on Sunday and one other matchup with San Antonio subsequent Tuesday.

The Spurs are (25-10), second within the Western Conference, 4 video games behind the Thunder.