Oklahoma City Thunder secured their fifth consecutive win with a commanding 141-106 victory against the Charlotte Hornets at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on March 21, 2025. This win was particularly significant as it came right after the Thunder clinched the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference for the second straight season.
Leading the charge was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 30 points while shooting an impressive 13-of-18 from the field. The victory marks another milestone for Oklahoma City, especially with Gilgeous-Alexander, who is the NBA’s top scorer, averaging 33.0 points per game, returning to the lineup after sitting out the previous game.
“It feels great to be back on the court and contributing to the team's success,” Gilgeous-Alexander said after the game, reflecting on his performance and the team’s momentum.
Despite missing two key players, Luguentz Dort and Jalen Williams, who are sidelined due to injury, the Thunder put forth a strong team effort. Chet Holmgren added 14 points, five rebounds, and three blocks, while Isaiah Hartenstein contributed with 12 points and 10 rebounds. This balance in scoring is a hallmark of the Thunder's successful run; eight players finished the night with double-digit scores.
The game started with a dominant performance from Oklahoma City, as they limited the Hornets to just 14 points in the first quarter. By the end of the first, the Thunder had built a significant 20-point lead, capitalizing on the Hornets' struggles, which included shooting only 5-of-20 from the floor during that period.
After halftime, Oklahoma City maintained their momentum, heading into the fourth quarter with a comfortable 103-76 lead after a buzzer-beater from Kenrich Williams that banked in a 29-foot shot at the end of the second quarter.
Although Charlotte attempted to close the gap, cutting the lead to 10 early in the third quarter, the Thunder responded with an 18-point burst, pulling away decisively for the victory. The Thunder’s efficiency was evident as they outscored the Hornets 64-26 in the paint and turned Charlotte's turnovers into points, scoring 27 points off 16 turnovers.
For the Hornets, Miles Bridges led the team with 20 points, while rookie Nick Smith Jr. contributed with 14 points, hitting four three-pointers. Despite not having LaMelo Ball and Mark Williams due to injuries, Charlotte showed resilience, yet could not maintain pace with the Thunder’s fast-paced offense.
The game itself is reflective of the Thunder’s depth, which continues to surprise as they now possess a league-best record of 26-1 against Eastern Conference teams this season. With this latest win, Oklahoma City not only strengthens their grasp on their conference but also builds their confidence heading into the playoffs.
“We knew we had to step up today,” Chet Holmgren shared, highlighting the team's spirit despite missing some key contributors. “It’s about coming together as a unit and everyone doing their part.”
As the regular season winds down, both teams look ahead to their next challenges. The Hornets will face the Miami Heat on March 23, 2025, while the Thunder travel to take on the Clippers on the same day. With playoffs fast approaching, every game counts, and both teams are looking to establish their rhythm.
This latest victory for Oklahoma City is more than just a notch on their win column; it demonstrates their capability to perform under pressure, a trait that could serve them well as they aim for a championship run. As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see if the Thunder can maintain their dominance and carry this momentum into the postseason.
