Charlotte Hornets vs Oklahoma City Thunder Match Player Stats
The charlotte hornets vs oklahoma city thunder match player stats from January 6, 2026, reveal how Charlotte secured a commanding 124-97 victory over Oklahoma City at Paycom Center. The Hornets combined efficient shooting, strong rebounding, and balanced scoring to overcome a Thunder team that struggled to convert its shots. Brandon Miller led Charlotte with 28 points, while Kon Knueppel added 23 and Miles Bridges contributed 17. For Oklahoma City, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 21 points and six assists, but the team’s shooting struggles made it difficult to keep pace.
The final score tells only part of the story. Charlotte shot 53% from the field and 51% from three-point range, while Oklahoma City made just 37% of its field-goal attempts and 28% of its three-pointers. The Hornets also collected 52 rebounds compared with the Thunder’s 33. These differences help explain why Charlotte turned a competitive opening quarter into a decisive win.
This game provides a useful example of how shooting efficiency, rebounding, and scoring distribution can shape an NBA result. Below is a detailed breakdown of the final score, individual player performances, team statistics, quarter-by-quarter scoring, and the key numbers that explain the outcome.
Charlotte Hornets vs Oklahoma City Thunder Match Player Stats: Game Overview
The matchup took place on January 6, 2026, at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Charlotte won 124-97, improving the significance of its performance against a Thunder team that entered the game with a strong record.
| Game Detail | Information |
| Matchup | Charlotte Hornets vs Oklahoma City Thunder |
| Date | January 6, 2026 |
| Final Score | Hornets 124, Thunder 97 |
| Venue | Paycom Center |
| Location | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma |
| Attendance | 18,203 |
| Charlotte Record Displayed | 13-23 overall |
| Oklahoma City Record Displayed | 30-7 overall |
| Charlotte Leading Scorer | Brandon Miller, 28 points |
| Oklahoma City Leading Scorer | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, 21 points |
| Game Status | Final |
| Game ID | 401810361 |
Charlotte’s 27-point winning margin reflected a substantial difference in offensive execution. The Hornets scored 124 points without relying on a single player to carry the entire attack. Four Charlotte players reached at least 16 points, giving the team several dependable scoring options.
Oklahoma City also had multiple players contribute offensively, but its overall shooting percentage remained a major obstacle. Even with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the offense, the Thunder could not match Charlotte’s combination of accurate shooting and second-chance opportunities.
The attendance figure of 18,203 shows that the contest was played in front of a full-scale NBA crowd. However, the most important information for understanding the result comes from the shooting splits, rebounding totals, and individual contributions.
Final Score and Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
Charlotte and Oklahoma City scored 33 points apiece in the first quarter. At that stage, neither team had established a scoring advantage. The game changed in the second quarter, when Charlotte produced 34 points and held Oklahoma City to just 17.
| Quarter | Charlotte Hornets | Oklahoma City Thunder |
| First Quarter | 33 | 33 |
| Second Quarter | 34 | 17 |
| Third Quarter | 32 | 21 |
| Fourth Quarter | 25 | 26 |
| Final Score | 124 | 97 |
First Quarter: An Even Start
Both teams scored 33 points in the opening period. This balanced start suggests that the game initially featured competitive offensive production from both sides.
Charlotte’s later advantage did not come from dominating every quarter. Instead, the Hornets created separation through a powerful second quarter and continued their scoring pressure in the third.
Second Quarter: Charlotte Creates Separation
The second quarter was the turning point. Charlotte scored 34 points while limiting Oklahoma City to 17, creating a 17-point advantage for the period.
That difference was especially important because the teams had been tied after the first quarter. Charlotte’s offensive output, combined with Oklahoma City’s reduced scoring, transformed an even contest into one controlled by the visiting team.
The second-quarter numbers also demonstrate why quarter-by-quarter analysis matters. A final score alone cannot show when a game changed direction or which stretch produced the decisive advantage.
Third Quarter: The Hornets Extend Their Lead
Charlotte added another 32 points in the third quarter, while Oklahoma City managed 21. The Hornets therefore outscored the Thunder by 11 points in the period.
After the second and third quarters, Charlotte had built a substantial cushion. The combined scoring difference across those two quarters was 28 points, explaining much of the final margin.
Fourth Quarter: Oklahoma City Responds Slightly
The Thunder scored 26 points in the fourth quarter, one more than Charlotte’s 25. This was Oklahoma City’s only quarter with a scoring advantage.
However, the response came after the Hornets had already built a large lead. The fourth-quarter improvement was not enough to change the result.
Charlotte Hornets Player Stats
Charlotte’s offensive production was distributed across several players. Brandon Miller led with 28 points, followed by Kon Knueppel with 23, Miles Bridges with 17, and LaMelo Ball with 16.
The available game summary also identifies Moussa Diabate as a major contributor on the boards and as a facilitator. His 12 rebounds tied the game’s highest reported individual total.
| Charlotte Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
| Brandon Miller | 28 | Not specified | Not specified |
| Kon Knueppel | 23 | Not specified | 5 |
| Miles Bridges | 17 | 11 | Not specified |
| LaMelo Ball | 16 | Not specified | Not specified |
| Moussa Diabate | Not specified | 12 | 5 |
Note: The supplied game summary does not provide complete individual box-score lines. Unavailable statistics are marked as not specified rather than estimated.
Brandon Miller: Charlotte’s Leading Scorer
Brandon Miller scored 28 points to lead all players for Charlotte. His total was seven points higher than Oklahoma City’s leading scorer, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Miller’s scoring was an important part of Charlotte’s offensive balance. When the leading scorer receives support from several teammates, the opposing defense has fewer opportunities to concentrate on one player.
Charlotte’s overall field-goal percentage of 53% also provides useful context for Miller’s performance. The team converted its scoring opportunities efficiently, although the available summary does not include Miller’s individual field-goal attempts or shooting percentage.
His 28-point performance was the highest individual scoring total reported for either team in this game.
Kon Knueppel: Efficient Team Scoring Support
Kon Knueppel recorded 23 points and five assists. His scoring total made him Charlotte’s second-leading scorer, while his assists demonstrated that his contribution extended beyond finishing possessions.
The five assists are particularly relevant when examining Charlotte’s offensive distribution. Assists can indicate how effectively a team creates scoring opportunities through passing, although they do not capture every aspect of playmaking.
Knueppel’s contribution also reduced the pressure on Miller to generate the team’s offense alone. Two players scoring more than 20 points gave Charlotte a strong foundation for its overall production.
Miles Bridges: Scoring and Rebounding
Miles Bridges finished with 17 points and 11 rebounds. His double-digit rebounding total was the second-highest reported individual figure in the game, behind Moussa Diabate’s 12.
Bridges supplied value in two important areas. His points helped maintain Charlotte’s scoring output, while his rebounds contributed to the team’s substantial advantage on the glass.
Rebounding is important because it can end an opponent’s possession or create another scoring opportunity. A player’s total does not distinguish between offensive and defensive rebounds, so the supplied figure should be treated as a combined total rather than evidence of a particular rebounding pattern.
LaMelo Ball: Another Scoring Option
LaMelo Ball recorded 16 points. Although his total was below those of Miller, Knueppel, and Bridges, it added another meaningful scoring contribution to Charlotte’s attack.
Having four players score at least 16 points made the Hornets less dependent on a single offensive option. That distribution was especially valuable in a game where Charlotte finished with 124 points.
The available summary does not provide Ball’s individual assists, rebounds, shooting percentage, or turnover total. Those figures should be checked against the full box score before drawing conclusions about his complete performance.
Moussa Diabate: Rebounding and Playmaking
Moussa Diabate recorded 12 rebounds and five assists. His rebounding total led all players in the supplied game summary, while his assist total matched Knueppel’s team-leading figure.
Those numbers show why a player’s contribution cannot always be measured by scoring alone. Rebounds help determine possession control, and assists reflect involvement in creating baskets for teammates.
Diabate’s combination of 12 rebounds and five assists is one of the most notable statistical details from Charlotte’s victory. It also complements the team’s overall rebounding advantage of 19.
Oklahoma City Thunder Player Stats
Oklahoma City’s leading individual scorer was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who recorded 21 points and six assists. Jalen Williams scored 16 points, Chet Holmgren added 15, and Aaron Wiggins contributed 11.
| Oklahoma City Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | 21 | Not specified | 6 |
| Jalen Williams | 16 | Not specified | Not specified |
| Chet Holmgren | 15 | 6 | Not specified |
| Aaron Wiggins | 11 | Not specified | Not specified |
Note: Only the individual statistics explicitly included in the supplied game summary are shown. This is not a complete player-by-player box score.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Leading the Thunder Offense
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 21 points and recorded six assists. He led Oklahoma City in both reported scoring and assists, making him the central statistical contributor for the Thunder.
His six assists show that he helped create scoring opportunities for teammates as well as contributing directly. However, Oklahoma City’s team shooting percentage of 37% limited the overall return from its field-goal attempts.
The distinction between individual production and team efficiency matters here. A player can produce a respectable point total while the team as a whole struggles to convert possessions into baskets. Gilgeous-Alexander’s 21 points did not offset Charlotte’s superior shooting and rebounding numbers.
Jalen Williams: Secondary Scoring
Jalen Williams finished with 16 points. His contribution placed him second among the Thunder’s reported supporting scorers, behind Gilgeous-Alexander.
Williams’ scoring helped Oklahoma City produce 97 points, but the team needed more efficient collective offense to keep pace with Charlotte’s 124-point total.
The supplied data does not include his individual shooting splits or assist total. Without those details, it would be inaccurate to assign his performance a particular efficiency rating or claim that he was responsible for the team’s shooting difficulties.
Chet Holmgren: Interior Contribution
Chet Holmgren recorded 15 points and six rebounds. His rebounding total led Oklahoma City in the available summary.
Holmgren’s production covered both scoring and rebounding, but the team finished with only 33 rebounds overall. Charlotte’s 52 rebounds created a 19-rebound gap that formed one of the clearest statistical differences between the teams.
The available figures do not establish how many of Holmgren’s rebounds were offensive or defensive. A full box score would be needed to examine his role in second-chance opportunities and defensive possession control in more detail.
Aaron Wiggins: Additional Offensive Production
Aaron Wiggins contributed 11 points. His total gave Oklahoma City another double-digit scorer, but the Thunder’s overall offense remained less productive than Charlotte’s.
Oklahoma City had several players reach double figures, demonstrating that the defeat was not simply a case of one player scoring while everyone else failed to contribute. The broader challenge was converting enough attempts into points and limiting Charlotte’s scoring opportunities.
Team Statistical Comparison
The team statistics provide the clearest explanation of the result. Charlotte shot better from the field, converted a much higher share of its three-point attempts, collected more rebounds, and recorded more assists. Oklahoma City, however, committed fewer turnovers and recorded substantially more steals.
| Team Statistic | Charlotte Hornets | Oklahoma City Thunder |
| Points | 124 | 97 |
| Field Goals Made/Attempted | 41/77 | 34/93 |
| Field-Goal Percentage | 53% | 37% |
| Three-Pointers Made/Attempted | 19/37 | 11/39 |
| Three-Point Percentage | 51% | 28% |
| Free Throws Made/Attempted | 23/25 | 18/27 |
| Free-Throw Percentage | 92% | 67% |
| Total Rebounds | 52 | 33 |
| Assists | 25 | 18 |
| Turnovers | 21 | 7 |
| Steals | 4 | 14 |
| Blocks | 7 | 5 |
Field-Goal Efficiency
Charlotte made 41 of 77 field-goal attempts, while Oklahoma City made 34 of 93. This produced a reported field-goal percentage of 53% for the Hornets and 37% for the Thunder.
The difference is significant because both teams attempted more than 75 shots. Charlotte made seven more baskets despite attempting 16 fewer shots.
That comparison highlights the value of shot conversion. Taking more shots does not guarantee more points if a team struggles to turn those attempts into successful field goals.
Three-Point Shooting
Charlotte converted 19 of 37 three-point attempts, while Oklahoma City made 11 of 39. The Hornets’ reported three-point percentage was 51%, compared with 28% for the Thunder.
The difference of eight made three-pointers was especially important. Each made three-pointer is worth three points, meaning Charlotte scored 24 points from three-point baskets that Oklahoma City did not match in made-shot volume.
The percentage gap also indicates that Charlotte generated more value from its long-range attempts. However, the team totals alone cannot show which individual players created the best looks or how many shots were contested.
Free-Throw Accuracy
Charlotte made 23 of 25 free throws, an excellent 92% conversion rate. Oklahoma City made 18 of 27, producing a 67% rate.
Charlotte therefore made five more free throws despite attempting two fewer. The Hornets’ accuracy added to their advantage from field goals and three-pointers.
Free throws are especially useful in close games because they provide scoring opportunities without requiring a made field goal. In this matchup, the difference contributed to Charlotte’s overall scoring efficiency, although it was not the only factor behind the 27-point margin.
Rebounding Advantage
Charlotte collected 52 total rebounds, compared with Oklahoma City’s 33. The 19-rebound difference was one of the largest gaps in the statistical comparison.
Rebounds matter at both ends of the court. Defensive rebounds help prevent opponents from receiving additional opportunities, while offensive rebounds can extend possessions and create second-chance scoring chances.
The supplied team totals do not break down offensive and defensive rebounds. It is therefore reasonable to identify Charlotte’s overall rebounding advantage, but not to assign the entire difference to offensive rebounds or second-chance points.
Assists and Ball Movement
Charlotte recorded 25 assists, while Oklahoma City finished with 18. The Hornets had seven more assists, a difference consistent with their stronger overall scoring performance.
Assists are one way to evaluate team ball movement, but they do not measure every pass that creates an advantage. A possession can produce a good shot without a credited assist, and an assisted basket can vary considerably in difficulty.
Still, the combined evidence of more assists and a higher field-goal percentage suggests that Charlotte’s offense converted its opportunities more successfully during this game.
Turnovers: Oklahoma City’s Statistical Advantage
One of the most striking details is that Oklahoma City committed only seven turnovers, while Charlotte recorded 21. The Thunder therefore had a 14-turnover advantage in the team totals.
This is an important qualification to the story of the game. Oklahoma City protected possession better according to the recorded turnover figures, yet still lost by 27 points.
The likely explanation lies in the difference between keeping possession and scoring efficiently. A team can avoid turnovers and still struggle if its shots miss frequently. Conversely, a team can commit more turnovers but compensate through superior shooting and rebounding.
The available data does not establish how many points either team scored directly after turnovers, so the precise scoring impact of this difference cannot be calculated from the supplied figures alone.
Steals and Blocks
Oklahoma City recorded 14 steals, compared with Charlotte’s four. The Thunder also committed fewer turnovers, which suggests that their defensive activity and possession security were notable parts of the game.
Charlotte, however, recorded seven blocks to Oklahoma City’s five. The Hornets’ block advantage was smaller than the differences in shooting and rebounding, but it added another positive defensive statistic.
Steals and blocks are different measures. A steal directly records the defensive recovery of possession, while a block records a defensive deflection of a shot. Neither statistic alone measures the full quality of a team’s defense.
Oklahoma City’s 14 steals and Charlotte’s 52 rebounds show that the game contained competing strengths. The final result depended on more than one defensive category.
Why Charlotte Won by 27 Points
Several measurable factors explain Charlotte’s victory. The most important was the combination of shooting accuracy and rebounding, supported by a strong second-quarter scoring run.
1. Charlotte Converted Shots More Efficiently
The Hornets made 53% of their field-goal attempts, compared with 37% for Oklahoma City. That 16-percentage-point difference is substantial.
Charlotte also made eight more three-pointers. Because three-point shots carry greater scoring value than two-point shots, that difference helped the Hornets build their advantage without needing a much higher overall attempt volume.
2. The Second Quarter Changed the Game
Both teams scored 33 points in the first quarter. Charlotte then outscored Oklahoma City 34-17 in the second.
That single quarter produced a 17-point difference, establishing the foundation for the eventual victory. The Hornets continued to add to their lead in the third quarter, outscoring the Thunder 32-21.
3. Charlotte Controlled the Rebounds
The Hornets finished with 52 rebounds, 19 more than Oklahoma City. This gave Charlotte a clear advantage in total possession recovery through rebounds.
The figures do not reveal the exact number of second-chance points, but the rebounding gap is large enough to stand out as a major part of the statistical story.
4. Multiple Hornets Contributed Scoring
Miller scored 28, Knueppel scored 23, Bridges scored 17, and Ball scored 16. This balanced distribution meant Charlotte could generate offense from several players.
Oklahoma City’s leading scorer, Gilgeous-Alexander, recorded 21 points. The Thunder received additional production from Williams, Holmgren, and Wiggins, but their overall shooting efficiency was considerably lower.
5. Free Throws Added Another Advantage
Charlotte converted 92% of its free throws, while Oklahoma City converted 67%. The Hornets made 23 free throws compared with 18 for the Thunder.
This difference complemented Charlotte’s field-goal and three-point advantages. It is best understood as one part of a larger pattern rather than a standalone explanation for the result.
The Most Important Statistical Takeaways
For readers comparing NBA performances, several conclusions stand out from this matchup.
- Brandon Miller led all reported scorers: His 28 points were the highest individual total in the game summary.
- Charlotte had four major scoring contributors: Miller, Knueppel, Bridges, and Ball all scored at least 16 points.
- The Hornets shot more accurately: Their 53% field-goal percentage was well above Oklahoma City’s 37%.
- Three-point shooting created separation: Charlotte made 19 threes, while Oklahoma City made 11.
- Rebounding favored Charlotte: The Hornets collected 52 rebounds against the Thunder’s 33.
- Oklahoma City won the turnover comparison: The Thunder committed seven turnovers, compared with Charlotte’s 21.
- The second quarter was decisive: Charlotte outscored Oklahoma City by 17 points in that period.
- The final margin was 27 points: Charlotte won 124-97 despite recording more turnovers.
Taken together, these figures show why a box score should be read as a collection of connected measures. A turnover advantage does not automatically produce a win, and a high number of shot attempts does not guarantee effective offense. The outcome depends on how efficiently teams turn possessions into points and how consistently they secure rebounds.
Starting Lineups and Bench Players
The supplied game information lists the following starting players.
| Charlotte Hornets Starters | Oklahoma City Thunder Starters |
| Miles Bridges | Chet Holmgren |
| Moussa Diabate | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander |
| Brandon Miller | Luguentz Dort |
| LaMelo Ball | Aaron Wiggins |
| Kon Knueppel | Jalen Williams |
The listed Charlotte bench players were Tidjane Salaun, PJ Hall, Pat Connaughton, Collin Sexton, Josh Green, Tre Mann, Sion James, and Liam McNeeley.
The listed Oklahoma City bench players were Branden Carlson, Kenrich Williams, Isaiah Joe, Cason Wallace, Chris Youngblood, Ajay Mitchell, and Jaylin Williams.
These lists identify the players included in the supplied game information. They do not establish the minutes played by each reserve or their individual statistical contributions. Those details require the full player box score.
Bench production is often important when analyzing an NBA game because substitutions can change pace, defensive matchups, and scoring distribution. In this particular matchup, however, the available summary does not provide enough individual bench statistics to calculate a reliable bench-points comparison.
Season Series and Previous Meeting
The supplied matchup information lists the season series as tied 1-1. Oklahoma City had won the previous meeting, defeating Charlotte 109-96 on November 16. Charlotte then responded with the 124-97 victory on January 6, 2026.
| Meeting | Result |
| Previous Meeting | Oklahoma City Thunder 109, Charlotte Hornets 96 |
| January 6, 2026 | Charlotte Hornets 124, Oklahoma City Thunder 97 |
| Season Series Displayed | Tied 1-1 |
The two reported results show a reversal in the scoring margin. Oklahoma City won the earlier matchup by 13 points, while Charlotte won the January contest by 27.
This contrast illustrates why a previous result should not be treated as a guarantee of what will happen in a later game. Each matchup has its own shooting performance, possession patterns, lineup circumstances, and scoring runs.
The supplied summary does not provide enough information to attribute the change to a specific injury, tactical adjustment, or lineup change. Any such explanation would require additional verified game reports.
How to Read an NBA Player Box Score
Understanding the statistics makes it easier to assess individual performances without relying solely on points scored.
Points
Points measure a player’s direct scoring output. They are important, but they do not show how many attempts were required to reach that total.
For example, Miller’s 28 points led the Hornets, but his individual efficiency cannot be calculated without his made and attempted shots.
Rebounds
Rebounds record a player’s recovery of the ball after a missed shot. They are commonly divided into offensive and defensive rebounds.
Diabate’s 12 rebounds and Bridges’ 11 indicate strong individual rebounding totals. However, the supplied summary does not separate those rebounds by type.
Assists
Assists are credited when a pass directly leads to a made basket under the official scoring rules. They help describe how players create scoring opportunities for teammates.
Knueppel and Diabate each recorded five assists for Charlotte, while Gilgeous-Alexander led Oklahoma City with six.
Field-Goal Percentage
Field-goal percentage is calculated by dividing made field goals by attempted field goals and multiplying by 100.
A higher percentage generally indicates better conversion of shot attempts, although shot difficulty, defensive pressure, and the mix of two-point and three-point attempts also matter.
Plus/Minus
Plus/minus measures the team’s net scoring difference while a particular player is on the court. A positive figure means the player’s team outscored its opponent during those minutes, while a negative figure means it was outscored.
Plus/minus should not be interpreted as a standalone measure of individual skill. It is affected by teammates, opponents, substitutions, and the game situation. The supplied summary explains the statistic but does not provide individual plus/minus values.
For official game details and the complete statistical record, readers can consult the ESPN box score for Hornets vs Thunder.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who won the Charlotte Hornets vs Oklahoma City Thunder game on January 6, 2026?
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 124-97 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
2. Who scored the most points in the game?
Brandon Miller led all reported scorers with 28 points for Charlotte. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Oklahoma City with 21 points.
3. How many points did Kon Knueppel score against the Thunder?
Kon Knueppel scored 23 points and recorded five assists for Charlotte.
4. Which team had more rebounds?
Charlotte won the rebounding comparison, collecting 52 total rebounds to Oklahoma City’s 33.
5. How did the teams compare in three-point shooting?
Charlotte made 19 of 37 three-point attempts, or a reported 51%. Oklahoma City made 11 of 39, or 28%.
6. What was the decisive quarter of the game?
The second quarter was the key turning point. Charlotte scored 34 points while holding Oklahoma City to 17, creating a 17-point advantage for the period.
Conclusion
The January 6, 2026, matchup between Charlotte and Oklahoma City ended with a 124-97 victory for the Hornets. Brandon Miller’s 28 points led the scoring, while Kon Knueppel added 23, Miles Bridges contributed 17, and LaMelo Ball recorded 16. Moussa Diabate’s 12 rebounds and five assists also stood out among Charlotte’s individual contributions.
The team statistics explain the result in greater detail. Charlotte shot 53% from the field, made 19 three-pointers, converted 92% of its free throws, and collected 52 rebounds. Oklahoma City recorded more steals and committed fewer turnovers, but its 37% field-goal shooting and 28% three-point shooting limited its scoring output.
The second-quarter difference was central to the outcome, as Charlotte outscored the Thunder 34-17 before extending its advantage in the third. Although Oklahoma City performed better in the fourth quarter, Charlotte’s earlier lead proved too large to overcome.
Overall, the game demonstrates the importance of evaluating scoring, shooting efficiency, rebounds, assists, turnovers, and quarter-by-quarter performance together. The final score captures the result, while the individual and team statistics explain how the Hornets created their winning margin.
