Charlotte Hornets overwhelmed by OKC Thunder in preseason opener
The Charlotte Hornets faced a harsh welcome back to basketball on Sunday, suffering a 135-114 defeat to the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder in their preseason opener. While the game took place at the North Charleston Coliseum instead of the familiar Spectrum Center, it still marked a pivotal moment for fans eager to see how the team would shape up for the upcoming season.
Early Signs of Struggles
From the opening tip, the Hornets struggled defensively. A series of miscommunications and lapses in off-ball coverage allowed the Thunder’s bench players to find their rhythm early in the game. Despite these defensive woes, Charlotte managed to show flashes of offensive promise. LaMelo Ball dazzled with his signature step-back three-pointers, while rookie Moussa Diabate threw down two impressive dunks, and the team as a whole appeared more cohesive than many of the disjointed performances that plagued them toward the end of last season.
By halftime, the Hornets found themselves down 70-57, a reflection of their inability to contain the Thunder’s scoring despite some bright offensive moments.
Rotation Changes and New Faces
After a first half that resembled a regular-season rotation, head coach Charles Lee opted to rest key players such as Ball, Miles Bridges, and Brandon Miller for the second half. This decision allowed several newly acquired Hornets to showcase their skills, including Spencer Dinwiddie and Sion James, who saw significant playing time.
Interestingly, the lineup that took the court in the final quarter delivered the most spirited performance of the night. Kon Knueppel, who had settled into his role effectively, led a group of Summer League champions including KJ Simpson and Ryan Kalkbrenner. This youthful lineup managed to produce Charlotte’s best defensive quarter, but OKC still racked up 28 points in the frame, maintaining a comfortable lead throughout.
Standout Performances
Among the Hornets, Knueppel emerged as a bright spot, scoring 18 points while showcasing consistent energy on both ends of the floor. While his inexperience was evident at times, his decision-making and hustle were commendable. If Knueppel continues to build on this performance, he could enhance his case for a starting role as the preseason progresses.
Looking Ahead
The Hornets will have an opportunity to bounce back when they face the Thunder again on Thursday, October 9, at Paycom Center. With the goal of improving their defensive efforts, this upcoming matchup will be crucial in setting the tone for the remainder of the preseason.
Fans will be eager to see how the team addresses their defensive lapses and whether the positive offensive moments can translate into a more balanced performance in their next outing.
