Thunder vs Hornets: SGA’s Dominance and Key Matchup Analysis for January 5, 2026
The Oklahoma City Thunder look to extend their home dominance tonight as they host the struggling Charlotte Hornets. Fresh off a commanding 109-96 victory in Charlotte back in November, the Thunder are heavy favourites, riding the MVP-calibre play of Canadian superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. For the Hornets, this is a daunting road test against one of the league’s most efficient offenses.
Tonight’s game isn’t just about the standings; it’s a showcase of one of the NBA’s brightest talents against a team he has historically owned. With playoff positioning on the line for OKC and pride on the line for Charlotte, this matchup promises high-intensity basketball.
Season Series Recap: Thunder’s Commanding First Win
The two teams have met once this season, with Oklahoma City securing a decisive 13-point victory on the road. The game was defined by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s offensive masterclass and the Thunder’s overall defensive pressure.
November 15, 2025 Game Highlights
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City Thunder | 28 | 32 | 24 | 25 | 109 |
| Charlotte Hornets | 22 | 24 | 26 | 24 | 96 |
Key sequences from the win included a flurry of three-pointers from Cason Wallace and Chet Holmgren, assisted by SGA, who consistently broke down the Hornets’ defense to create easy opportunities for his teammates.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: The Hornets’ Kryptonite
The story of this matchup is written by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Hamilton, Ontario native has not only been spectacular this season but has made a habit of tormenting the Charlotte franchise throughout his career.
SGA’s Dominance vs. Charlotte
| Scope | Points | Assists | Rebounds | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| This Season (1 Game) | 33.0 | 7.0 | 4.0 | 1-0 |
| Career (11 Games) | 24.5 | 5.6 | 4.5 | 8-3 |
“Gilgeous-Alexander erupted for 33 points on 13-of-19 shooting from the floor in Oklahoma City’s 109-96 win in Charlotte on Nov. 15.” – NBA.com Game Recap
His career winning record and elevated averages against Charlotte underscore his ability to take over these games. The Hornets have yet to find a consistent answer for his combination of size, skill, and pace.
Team Comparison & Key Stats
Looking beyond the star power, the team metrics reveal why Oklahoma City is considered a top-tier contender while Charlotte is in a rebuild. The Thunder excel in areas that directly challenge the Hornets’ weaknesses.
| Statistic | Oklahoma City Thunder | Charlotte Hornets | NBA Rank (OKC/CHA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 120.0+ | ~106.0 | Top 5 / Bottom 10 |
| Turnovers Per Game | 12.6 | 15.6 | 2nd / 28th |
| Steals Per Game | 10.2 | 7.0 | 2nd / 17th |
| Blocks Per Game | 5.5 | 4.7 | 6th / 23rd |
The disparity in turnovers is particularly glaring. Oklahoma City’s elite ball security and defensive activity (steals, blocks) create a significant advantage in possessions and fast-break opportunities, a nightmare scenario for a team like Charlotte that struggles to take care of the ball.
What to Watch For Tonight
Can the Hornets find a way to slow down SGA? Will Miles Bridges and Charlotte’s offense find enough rhythm to keep pace? The Thunder are seeking their fourth consecutive home win and have all the momentum. For the Hornets to be competitive, they must limit live-ball turnovers and hope for an off-shooting night from the Thunder’s supporting cast around Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the score of the last Thunder vs. Hornets game?
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Charlotte Hornets 109-96 in their previous meeting on November 15, 2025.
How has Shai Gilgeous-Alexander performed against the Hornets in his career?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has dominated the Hornets historically, averaging 24.5 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game while leading his teams to an 8-3 record against them over 11 career games.
What are the key team stat differences heading into this game?
The Thunder hold major advantages in offensive efficiency, ball security (2nd in turnovers vs. 28th for CHA), and defensive playmaking (2nd in steals). This creates a large gap in extra possessions and scoring opportunities.