Oklahoma City – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made his highly anticipated return to the court, playing in his first preseason game of the season as the Oklahoma City Thunder secured a 122-116 home victory over the Charlotte Hornets. Demonstrating glimpses of the skill and leadership that have made him the franchise cornerstone, Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance energized the Thunder and offered fans an early look at the team’s potential heading into the regular season.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Returns to Action in Oklahoma City Thunder’s Preseason Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander marked his eagerly anticipated return to the court during the Oklahoma City Thunder’s thrilling 122-116 victory against the Charlotte Hornets. After missing the early part of the preseason due to minor injuries, Gilgeous-Alexander showcased his signature agility and scoring ability, finishing with an impressive 24 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds. His presence boosted the Thunder’s offensive rhythm and energized the home crowd at Paycom Center, setting a positive tone for the team’s upcoming regular season.
The game also saw contributions from key teammates, keeping the Thunder competitive throughout. Notable performances included:
- Luguentz Dort – 18 points, staunch defense on Hornets’ key scorers
- Josh Giddey – 14 points, 8 assists, demonstrating his playmaking growth
- Jalen Williams – 16 points off the bench, effective energy
| Player | Points | Assists | Rebounds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | 24 | 6 | 5 |
| Luguentz Dort | 18 | 3 | 4 |
| Josh Giddey | 14 | 8 | 7 |
| Jalen Williams | 16 | 2 | 3 |
Key Performance Highlights and Team Dynamics in Thunder’s Win Over Charlotte Hornets
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made a highly anticipated return to the court, showcasing his scoring prowess and leadership during the Thunder’s narrow victory against the Charlotte Hornets. Gilgeous-Alexander led all scorers with 28 points, efficiently slicing through the Hornets’ defense and contributing across the board with rebounds and assists. His ability to control the tempo and make clutch plays in the final minutes was pivotal in securing the 122-116 win. Complementing his effort, rookie Jalen Williams demonstrated a promising preseason debut, adding 15 points and impressive defensive hustle.
The Thunder’s chemistry was evident as the bench stepped up when starters rested, highlighting balanced scoring and solid rotations from head coach Mark Daigneault. Team dynamics were underscored by:
- Effective ball movement: The team combined for 29 assists, emphasizing unselfish play.
- Defensive energy: Multiple forced turnovers led to fast-break opportunities fueling the offense.
- Bench productivity: Contributions from key reserves Jason Payne and Tre Mann helped sustain momentum.
| Player | Points | Assists | Rebounds | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | 28 | 6 | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | 28 | 6 | 7 |
| Jalen Williams | 15 | 3 | 5 | |||
| Jason Payne | 10 | 2 | 4 | |||
| Tre Mann | 9 | 4 | 3 |
| Stat Category | 2023-24 Preseason | 2022-23 Regular Season |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 26.5 | 24.5 |
| Assists Per Game | 6.2 | 5.9 |
| Steals Per Game | 1.9 | 1.5 |
In Conclusion
As the Oklahoma City Thunder closed out their preseason victory over the Charlotte Hornets, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s return to the court marked a significant step toward the team’s opening night preparations. Though the preseason results carry limited weight, the performance offered fans a promising glimpse of Gilgeous-Alexander’s readiness and the Thunder’s evolving chemistry heading into the regular season. With a 122-116 win at home, Oklahoma City looks to build momentum and continue refining their roster as they aim for a competitive campaign ahead.
