NBA Notes: Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Hornets, Kon Knueppel, Pistons

Thunder

Statement made.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 28 points as the Thunder rolled past the Lakers, 139-96, in a matchup that didn’t stay competitive for long.

And yes, he got the better of Luka Doncic.

Doncic, who had been on a scoring tear, finished with just 12 points on 3-of-10 shooting before exiting with a hamstring injury. Oklahoma City’s defense had plenty to do with that.

Isaiah Joe added 20 points and knocked down six 3-pointers as the Thunder shot 53.9% from the field. They’ve now won 16 of 17.

The tone was set early. The Lakers didn’t make a field goal for nearly five minutes, and OKC led 44-21 after one. It was 82-51 at halftime, nearly matching a franchise record for points in a half.

In the third, Joe buried three triples in under two minutes and that was that.

Hornets

Hornets forward Miles Bridges scored 25 points and rookie Kon Knueppel made a little history.

Knueppel finished with 20 points and hit four 3-pointers, giving him 261 on the season and setting a franchise record. The Hornets cruised past the Suns, 127-107.

Coby White added 19 points, while LaMelo Ball posted 15 points and 11 assists. Brandon Miller chipped in 17.

Charlotte has now won seven of nine and is continues to push for positioning in the East play-in race.

Pistons

No Anthony Edwards. No Cade Cunningham. Still a win for the Pistons.

Jalen Duren went for 22 points and 14 rebounds, and Daniss Jenkins added 26 as Detroit held off Minnesota, 113-108.

The Pistons used an 11-0 run in the fourth to take control and are now 7-2 without Cunningham.

Ausar Thompson nearly flirted with a triple-double, finishing with nine assists, nine rebounds and seven points. Duncan Robinson scored 15, while Kevin Huerter added 12.

There was also some late-game tension, with Bones Hyland and Marcus Sasser exchanging words and technicals.

Detroit keeps finding ways. Even shorthanded.