Hornets Look to Bounce Back in Oklahoma City Rematch
The Charlotte Hornets are gearing up for their second preseason matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder this Thursday, October 9th, at 8 p.m. EST in the Paycom Center. It’s a quick turnaround after their 135-114 loss in North Charleston, where the Thunder’s second unit surprisingly dominated the game. While the preseason is about learning and building chemistry, the Hornets know they can’t afford to get outworked again, especially against a team missing all of its usual starters. The rematch gives Charlotte a chance to show more intensity and cohesion on both ends of the floor.
There were still a few bright spots from Charlotte’s opening game. Rookie Kon Knueppel looked confident and composed, leading the team with 18 points while hitting four threes in his NBA debut. LaMelo Ball showed flashes of his playmaking brilliance, finishing with 11 points and a few sharp passes that reminded fans why he’s the face of the franchise. Miles Bridges added seven points and eight rebounds, while Collin Sexton brought a burst of energy off the bench with 11 points of his own. Even in a preseason loss, it was encouraging to see new faces start to find their rhythm alongside returning veterans.
Defensively, though, the Hornets struggled to keep up with Oklahoma City’s tempo and unselfish style of play. The Thunder moved the ball with ease, shooting over 53% from the field and knocking down 20 three-pointers. Aaron Wiggins led the way with 23 points, while Jaylin Williams and Ousmane Dieng added 17 each, showing just how deep Oklahoma City’s roster really is. Charlotte often looked a step slow on rotations, and its perimeter defense never seemed to find its footing. These lapses are something head coach Charles Lee and his staff will want to clean up heading into Thursday’s rematch.
This upcoming game could have a different feel if the Thunder decide to bring back some of their regular starters, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams. That would raise the level of competition and give the Hornets a better gauge of where they stand early in the preseason. For Charlotte, this matchup is less about the final score and more about growth, tightening up defensively, finding offensive flow, and getting their younger players comfortable in NBA action. The focus will be on building chemistry and creating good habits that can carry over into the regular season.
With a few days of practice between games, the Hornets have time to regroup and make adjustments. Expect Charlotte to play with more energy and purpose, especially on the defensive end, as they look to bounce back from Sunday’s loss. The players know they left a lot on the table, and this is their chance to respond. Whether the Thunder’s stars return or not, the Hornets will look to prove they can compete with intensity from start to finish. Thursday night in Oklahoma City will be another critical step in setting the tone for the season ahead.
