Shai Gilgeous Alexander Struggles as Thunder Crushed by Hornets

The Thunder opened 24-1 but have cooled off, going 6-6 in their last 12 games and suffering a stinging 124-97 loss to the Charlotte Hornets. Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander managed just 21 points on 7-of-21 shooting while Chet Holmgren had 15 and Jalen Williams 16. Losses to the Spurs, Timberwolves and a recent defeat to the Suns underline a growing inconsistency, yet OKC still sits atop the West at 30-7. Merlin sees a champion feeling the weight of a long season more than a team in collapse. Shooting slumps and thin bench production are the culprits now, and the true test will be how quickly coaching and stars adjust. The ledger still favors them, but the league will probe every weakness like a curious spell.