On October 6th , the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Charlotte Hornets 135-114, showcasing the depth and teamwork of a championship-caliber team. Despite the absences of several key players, the Thunder's bench delivered excellent offense and defense, with six players scoring in double figures and completely dominating their opponent.

Aaron Wiggins was the biggest contributor in the game, shooting 10- of -14 from the field for 23 points, 6 assists, and 2 rebounds, demonstrating incredible efficiency. Whether it was mid-range jumpers or driving layups, he was at ease, once again proving himself to be one of the league's most consistent bench scorers.

Young forward Usman Jaune continued his progress from summer training, finishing with 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists. He was active on both ends of the court, with a solid outside shooting touch, earning him more playing time. Jaylin Williams also scored 17 points, showing a hot hand and a strong performance.

Rookie Chris Youngblood scored 20 points and hit five three-pointers in 21 minutes off the bench , vying for the Thunder's final two-way contract. First-round pick Nikola Topic contributed 10 points and seven assists in his debut , showcasing his calm control and excellent vision.

For the Hornets, LaMelo Ball had a mediocre performance, scoring only 11 points, while rookie Con Knupel led the team with 18 points. Overall, the Hornets failed to match the Thunder's rhythm on both offense and defense.

This victory not only marked a strong start to the Thunder's preseason, but also showcased the team's depth and youthful potential. Even without their core players, the Thunder were able to easily prevail thanks to their efficient teamwork, laying a solid foundation for their title defense this season.