Hornets Win First Preseason Game vs. OKC

James Bouknight, the Charlotte Hornets first round selection in the 2021 NBA Draft, scored 20 points in his preseason debut, while La Melo Ball had an all-around game with 15 points, six rebounds and five assists, defeating the Oklahoma Thunder, 113-97.

The victory against the Thunder had everything you would want to see from a coach’s and fans perspective.

The core players from last season looked ready to go for opening night. Ball, Miles Bridges (13), Terry Rozier (11), PJ Washington (14) and Jalen McDaniels (12) all scored in double figures and had strong floor games.

Washington had good finishes in the paint area, a place where he struggled mightily last year. Bridges showed some of the same scoring prowess that he exhibited during the late portion of the season. Rozier was his old, reliable self, while Ball showed off a new move that will make him unguardable, especially amongst the trees.

Although Gordon Hayward was not aggressive Monday night, at least he is back to 100% health wise after having to miss a significant part of the season. He will be a key veteran for the young team as this season gets underway.

None of the veterans that the Hornets acquired during the offseason and free agency did much to standout last night, but provided a preview of what they will be doing for the upcoming year.

There was one injury during the game. Shooting guard/small forward Kelly Oubre, who was with the Golden State Warriors last season, limped to the dressing room after an awkward looking fall. Head coach James Borrego said after the game to the media that Oubre’s injury was not thought to be anything serious and is day-to-day.

But the highlight of the evening was James Bouknight, who put in a game high 20 points. He was somewhat quiet through the first three quarters of the game, although he had an eye-popping steal-and-score and got to the charity stripe several times.

Bouknight got significant playing time in the final period, where he scored 13 points and was 6-of-8 from the field. Even though the game does not count in the standings, it was great to see the first year player show off his abundance of talent in his first game as a professional.

Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander started the preseason just like he finished last year, scoring nine points, dishing out four dimes and grabbing three boards in limited playing time (16 minutes)

Thunder fans got their first true chance to see point guard Josh Giddey out of Australia. He was only able to log 5 minutes of Summer League time before turning his ankle. Giddey fit in with his new organization right away, finishing with a team high 18 points, seven rebounds and three assists. He shot 67% from the field and 50% from 3-point range in 28 minutes of action.

Shooting guard/small forward Luguentz Dort was the Thunders’ leading scoring heading into recess with 11 points on 4-for-9 from the field in the first two quarters.
Aaron Wiggins, who only got some run in the fourth quarter, came off the bench and scored 12 points.

The Hornets will look to win their second preseason game on Thursday night against the Memphis Grizzlies.