In one of the biggest upsets of the 2025-26 NBA season, the Charlotte Hornets delivered a stunning 124-97 victory over the reigning champions and league-leading Oklahoma City Thunder on January 5, 2026, at Paycom Center. Brandon Miller led the charge with a dominant 28-point performance, helping the Hornets overcome 15.5-point underdog odds and hand OKC their seventh loss—and their most lopsided defeat—of the year.
Game Recap: Hornets Dominate from Start to Finish
Coming off a solid win against the Chicago Bulls, the Hornets entered the matchup shorthanded, missing key big men Ryan Kalkbrenner (elbow sprain) and Mason Plumlee (groin surgery). The Thunder, meanwhile, were without defensive anchors Isaiah Hartenstein and Alex Caruso, but still boasted the NBA’s best record heading into the contest.
The Hornets wasted no time asserting themselves, jumping out to an early 16-2 run and building a 12-point lead. Although Oklahoma City battled back to tie the game at 33 entering the second quarter, Charlotte’s offense and defense took over from there.
Brandon Miller, in his third NBA season, was unstoppable. After scoring 8 points in the first quarter, the young forward poured in 11 in the second and 9 in the third, finishing with 28 points on efficient shooting, including 7 made three-pointers. He also added 2 steals and 2 blocks, showcasing his all-around impact.
The second and third quarters belonged entirely to the “Buzz City” squad, as the Hornets outscored the Thunder 66-38 over that stretch. Charlotte carried a commanding 28-point lead into the fourth quarter and extended it to as many as 30 points—the largest deficit Oklahoma City has faced all season.
This 30-point hole marked OKC’s first such deficit in 2025-26, underscoring the Hornets’ relentless dominance in a game few expected them to compete in, let alone win convincingly.
Key Performances and Highlights
- Brandon Miller: 28 points (7 threes), 2 steals, 2 blocks – The third-year star refused to let his team falter, carrying the scoring load and providing elite defense.
- Hornets’ balanced attack and stifling defense held the high-powered Thunder offense in check, forcing poor shooting and turnovers throughout.
The win improves Charlotte’s record and serves as a statement victory against the defending champions, who entered the game as heavy favorites on their home court.