The Oklahoma City Thunder (32-12) defeated the Charlotte Hornets (19-23) 109-95, at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City on Wednesday.
The odds were stacked against the Hornets in this one. They had lost their last nine road games and have not won a game in Oklahoma City since the franchise moved there from Seattle. In addition to those negative stats, the Thunder came into this game having won 20 of their last 24 games and boasting a very strong home record. With this win the Thunder have won their last six, improved their home record to 21-5 and have won their last 11 against Charlotte.
Oklahoma City led just about the whole way in this game. Despite mediocre shooting, Kevin Durant was the high-point man in the game, with 26 (9-20 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 7-10 FT). Durant also contributed five assists and five rebounds, in 30 minutes. Russell Westbrook continued his amazing play and came close to another triple-double. He finished with 16 points (5-14 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 6-7 FT), along with a huge 15 assists, eight rebounds and five steals, in 27 minutes. Steven Adams logged a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, in 27 minutes. Despite giving up 20 turnovers, the Thunder managed to stay in control, in part by hitting 22 of 30 free throws and out-rebounding the Hornets 51-34.
Charlotte got 57 points from its bench but unfortunately the starters could not match that same production. Kemba Walker led the Hornets with 21 points (8-15 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 3-3 FT), two rebounds, two assists and two steals, in 30 minutes. Jeremy Lin chipped in 16 points (6-11 FG) and two assists, in 27 minutes off the bench. Frank Kaminsky was a factor in 31 minutes off the bench, as he finished with 15 points (6-12 FG, 2-4 3Pt), six rebounds and four assists. Jeremy Lamb sat this one out, making it now four games that he has missed due to a sprained toe.
Next the Hornets will host the Magic on Friday. The Hornets sit 1.5 games behind the Magic and 2.5 games out of eighth in the East.
The Thunder will begin a four-game road trip with a game in Dallas on Friday.
