North Charleston, S.C., October 6, 2025
News Summary
In an impressive preseason opener, the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Charlotte Hornets 135-114 at the North Charleston Coliseum. The game attracted a record crowd of 11,371, showcasing the Thunder’s strong teamwork and performance despite missing key players. Aaron Wiggins led the Thunder with 23 points, while Hornets’ rookie Kon Knueppel scored 18. The Thunder’s solid defense and high shooting percentage contributed to a promising start for their campaign as both teams continue preparations for the upcoming regular season.
Oklahoma City
The Oklahoma City Thunder bested the Charlotte Hornets 135-114 in their preseason opener on Saturday at the North Charleston Coliseum in North Charleston, S.C. A record crowd of 11,371 fans attended the game, marking the highest attendance for a basketball game at the venue.
Despite missing several key players—including last year’s MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Lu Dort, Jalen Williams, and Alex Caruso—the Thunder displayed impressive teamwork and strong performances from their roster. Aaron Wiggins led the Thunder’s scoring with 23 points on 10-for-14 shooting, also contributing six assists and two rebounds. Chris Youngblood added 20 points, shooting 7-for-11 from the field and 5-for-8 from three-point range.
The Hornets saw rookie forward Kon Knueppel as their leading scorer with 18 points, while Collin Sexton and All-Star LaMelo Ball each contributed 11 points. The Thunder’s defense was robust, recording 11 steals and two blocks, showcasing their capability even with understudies on the floor.
A standout feature of the game was the Thunder’s ability to execute their training camp objectives effectively. They compiled a total of 33 assists throughout the game and achieved a shooting percentage of 61.2% from the field, shooting 30-for-49 overall, including 30% from three-point range.
The preseason opener coincided with the conclusion of the Hornets’ week-long training camp at The Citadel, where they had been preparing since Tuesday. As both teams progress in their preseason schedules, Oklahoma City aims to build on this strong performance despite several players being absent.
Key Game Statistics
- Final Score: Oklahoma City Thunder 135, Charlotte Hornets 114
- Attendance: 11,371 (record for North Charleston Coliseum)
- Thunder Leading Scorer: Aaron Wiggins (23 points)
- Hornets Leading Scorer: Kon Knueppel (18 points)
- Thunder Total Assists: 33
- Thunder Field Goal Percentage: 61.2% (30-for-49)
- Thunder Three-Point Percentage: 30%
- Thunder Defensive Stats: 11 steals, 2 blocks
Next Steps for Both Teams
Both the Thunder and Hornets will continue their preseason schedules, looking to refine their strategies and performance ahead of the upcoming regular season. Oklahoma City’s impressive display, even in the absence of key talent, indicates a promising start for their campaign.
FAQ Section
What was the final score of the game?
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Charlotte Hornets 135-114.
Where did the game take place?
The game was held at the North Charleston Coliseum in North Charleston, S.C.
What was the attendance for the game?
The game was attended by a record crowd of 11,371 fans, the highest for a basketball game at the venue.
Who led the Thunder in scoring?
Aaron Wiggins led the Thunder with 23 points on 10-for-14 shooting.
Who were some of the key players missing for the Thunder?
The Thunder did not bring key players including last year’s MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Lu Dort, Jalen Williams, and Alex Caruso.
What was the Thunder’s shooting percentage?
The Thunder shot 30-for-49 (61.2%) from the field, including 30% from three-point range.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Live 5 News: Thunder Beat Hornets
- SI.com: Three Takeaways from OKC Thunder Win
- Oklahoman: Thunder vs Hornets Game Score
- At The Hive: Hornets vs Thunder Preseason Preview
- SI.com: Love for Tre Mann
- Wikipedia: NBA Preseason
- Google Search: NCAA Basketball
- Google Scholar: Basketball Strategies
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Basketball
- Google News: NBA Preseason 2025
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
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