Charlotte set the tone immediately, matching OKC punch-for-punch in a 33\u201333 opening quarter before blowing the game open in the second with a 34\u201317 surge. From there, it only got worse for the Thunder. The Hornets outscored OKC in every remaining quarter, stretching the margin to as much as 30+ as the home side never found traction.<\/p>\n
NBA Box Score: Charlotte Hornets 124 Oklahoma City Thunder 97<\/a><\/p>\n The numbers tell the story:<\/p>\n 53% shooting from the field and 51% from three (19-of-37) for CharlotteOKC held to 37% overall and just 28% from deepHornets won the glass 52\u201333 and controlled tempo throughout<\/p>\n Former NBL\u00a0Next Star LaMelo Ball<\/a> orchestrated efficiently and made a ridiculous, falling-out-of-bounds, one-footed three from the corner while Brandon Miller and the starting group torched OKC from the perimeter, and the Hornets\u2019 size punished switches inside. For a Thunder team that prides itself on defensive pressure and pace, this was a rare night where they were out-executed and out-muscled.<\/p>\n Australian wing Josh Green<\/a> played 10 minutes off the bench, finishing scoreless. While his role was limited in a game decided early, Charlotte\u2019s depth ensured there was no drop-off as the lead ballooned.<\/p>\n Oklahoma City entered 30\u20137 overall and 17\u20133 at home. They simply don\u2019t lose games like this on their own floor. Reigning MVP\u00a0Shai Gilgeous-Alexander battled to 21 points but was harassed into tough looks, while OKC\u2019s trademark spacing and drive-and-kick game never materialised.<\/p>\n Australian guard Dyson Daniels<\/a> logged 39 minutes.<\/p>\n Daniels finished with:<\/p>\n 11 points (4-of-13 FG, 0-of-2 3PT)6 rebounds, 3 assists2 turnovers\u201324 plus\/minusNo steals<\/p>\n The Toronto Raptors pulled away for a convincing 118\u2013100 home win over the Atlanta Hawks, gradually asserting control after halftime and punishing Atlanta\u2019s turnovers and defensive breakdowns.<\/p>\n Toronto led after every quarter, using balanced scoring and strong playmaking to stretch the margin. Five Raptors starters scored 16+ points, and the home side finished with 52% shooting, 34 assists, and a decisive edge in composure as the game wore on.<\/p>\n Daniels played major minutes in a game where Atlanta simply couldn\u2019t keep pace as trade speculation for Trae Young continues. Young is believed to be talks with Hawks about a trade to the Washington Wizards.<\/p>\n NBA Box Score: Utah Jazz @ Portland Trail Blazers<\/a><\/p>\n Game in Progress<\/p>\n NBA\u00a0Box Score: Chicago Bulls 101 Boston Celtics 115<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/695c91518c4dc9204d2dfb8c_GettyImages-2254247818.jpg\")
LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets looks on during a free throw during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on January 6, 2026 (AEDT)\u00a0in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Photo: Joshua Gateley\/Getty ImagesNBA Box Score: Atlanta Hawks 100 Toronto Raptors<\/a><\/p>\n