Highlights: OKC vs. CHA
By Paris Lawson | Broadcast and Digital Reporter | okcthunder.com
BOX SCORE: OKC vs. CHA
THE BIG PICTURE
It was a high-scoring track meet between the Thunder and the Hornets on Monday night. OKC stormed out of the gates with a new season-high in first quarter scoring, but the Hornets offense quickly picked up in the next two frames to take control of the ball game. While the Thunder played to its identity offensively and dished out 31 assists, it wouldn’t be able to slow down the high-powered Hornets who shot at a 57-percent clip from deep and 53 from the field throughout the night.
MOMENTS FROM THE 48
Scorching Start
The Thunder posted a new first-quarter season high with 41 points in the opening 12 minutes against Charlotte. Everyone contributed to the action for OKC including 11 points for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, 12 for Darius Bazley fresh off a career-high 29-point performance the night before and nine from Tre Mann who went a perfect 3-for-3 from deep.
The Thunder held a 41-29 advantage against the Hornets heading into the second quarter before things began to even out in the second frame. Charlotte began to dip into its bread and butter forcing the Thunder to commit turnovers which translated into instant offense on the other end.
It was Isaiah Thomas who rattled in four 3-pointers in the second frame to breathe life in the Hornets’ offense who trailed by as many as 18 points in the first half. Charlotte outscored the Thunder 36-23 in the second quarter to take a one-point lead going into the locker room.
It was the third quarter where Charlotte began to build up significant separation from the Thunder. The Hornets burst out on a 22-8 run out of halftime fueled by four 3-pointers from LaMelo Ball and ultimately outscored the Thunder 37-27 in the quarter. Heading into the final stanza, Charlotte was firing at a 60 percent clip from the 3-point line and 52 percent from the field.
OKC’s offense played to its identity throughout the night and hummed at a steady pace racking up 31 assists on the night while shooting at a 46 percent clip from the field. The Hornets, however, continued to buzz at a fever pitch. In addition to its 53 percent clip from the field and 20 made 3-pointers, Charlotte also racked up an additional 27 points off Thunder turnovers.
“They're really good offensive team. Obviously they're hard to contain and that showed up tonight,” said Daigneault. “Certainly needed to be better defensively, but I thought it was a really good offensive night for us. The ball really moved before advantages, after advantages and everybody would was a participant. We got really quality shots.”
Baze’s Scoring Streak Continues
For the second consecutive game, Darius Bazley posted a high-scoring performance. This time the third year forward finished with 25 points on an efficient 10-of-18 from the field and 4-of-9 from deep.
Bazley also racked up a few style points on his scoring efforts against the Hornets. Of his 10 made field goals, four of them were dunks which brings his season total up to 74 for the season – 46 more than the next closest player on the team.
“He's simplified his game. He's playing a pretty predictable style that fits into the rest of the team and it's allowing his versatility to kind of rise to the surface,” said Daigneault.
“Just trying to keep it simple,” said Bazley. “Just make quick decisions and whatever decision I make just doing them with confidence.”
Shai’s Leads the Way
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led all scorers with 32 points on an efficient 12-of-20 from the field. The effort marked the eighth game out of the last 10 where SGA has posted 30 or more points.
In addition to his 12-point first quarter, Gilgeous-Alexander also caught fire in the third frame where he went a perfect 5-for-5 from the field including 3-for-3 from the 3-point line on the way to 14 points.
Vít’s Career Night
Thunder rookie Vít Krejčícaught fire offensively as he cashed in a season-high four made 3-pointers and logged a career-high 12 points. After battling through injury over the last two seasons, the Thunder coaching staff finally has the chance to truly explore the ranging skillset of the 6-foot-8 guard over the last 12 games. On Monday against the Hornets, Krejčí proved he has the ability to knock down looks from behind the arc and function within the flow of the offense.
“He got those just out of the flow the offense, they were open looks that came out of drive and kick, after advantage,” said Daigneault. “Everybody benefited from the way we played stylistically tonight, including Vít.”
THE LAST WORD
WHAT'S NEXT
The Thunder sets out on the road for the next three contests. The first stop will be in San Antonio to face the Spurs on Wednesday before a trip to Florida to take on the Heat and the Magic at the end of the week.