Three 30-Point Scorers Not Enough in Crippling Loss to Hornets

Oklahoma City's top performers couldn't slow down Charlotte's scoring attack Tuesday night.

Despite three 30-point scorers, Oklahoma City dropped a must win game at home to the Charlotte Hornets 137-134.

The Thunder had no answer for PJ Washington, who poured in 43 points, six rebounds and five assists. He was able to hit multiple massive 3-pointers down the stretch to carry Charlotte to victory.

It was a costly loss for Oklahoma City, who still sits at No. 10 because of the tiebreaker with Dallas, but takes away all breathing room over the next few games. The Thunder have little-to-no room for error now. It’ll be all about getting Shai Gilgeous-Alexander back in the lineup, who rolled his ankle in Sunday’s road win.

Despite the loss, it was still a historic night in Oklahoma City. Three 30-point scorers doesn’t happen often, and the Thunder lit up the scoreboard. Here’s who kept OKC in it down the stretch:

Isaiah Joe

Joe was on an absolute tear Tuesday night, pouring in a career-high 33 points. He did his best to keep Oklahoma City in the game, hitting big shot after big shot down the stretch. The sniper finished 11-of-18 from the floor and 6-of-11 from 3-point range in his most impressive effort of the season.

Every game, Joe proves how important he is to this Thunder team. He provides the biggest outside shooting threat possible, and that will be critical if the Thunder make the play-in. Joe was a plus-six on the court and seemed to always be in during Oklahoma City’s runs. It was an impressive performance.

Josh Giddey

Giddey’s scoring outburst was quite impressive, especially considering only two points came at the free throw line. In total, Oklahoma City’s point guard recorded 31 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists.

He shot 14-of-22 from the floor and orchestrated the Thunder’s offense all night long. He has been finding his rhythm around the rim and in the lane, utilizing his floater often. Giddey’s recent stretch has been eye-popping, and Tuesday night’s stat line was the pinnacle.

Jalen Williams

Williams continues to make a late Rookie of the Year push with his high-flying dunks and efficient performances. Against the Hornets, and in Gilgeous-Alexander’s absence, he took over. JDub dropped 31 points on 11-of-16 shooting, adding four steals on the other side of the floor. His two way play has been instrumental in the Thunder’s late-season run.

Oklahoma City went to Williams in key moments down the stretch and the rookie delivered. The way he takes over games when the Thunder is down its star player is encouraging.

---

Want to join the discussion? Like SI Thunder on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest Thunder news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.