The NBA schedule-makers did the Charlotte Hornets no favors on Saturday night.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 33 points and Chet Holmgren added 25 as the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder used a big third quarter to beat the Charlotte Hornets 109-96 for their fifth straight win.

Preview the Oklahoma City Thunder's NBA matchup with Charlotte, including betting odds, tips, trends, and game information.

This article was originally published on www.si.com/nba/hornets/onsi as Shai, Thunder spoil the Hornets' city edition debut night, soundly take down Buzz. On the second night of a back-to-back, the Charlotte Hornets were faced with their toughest opponent of the season: the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Thunder (12-1) have won four in a row. Back-to-back blowout victories sent a message to the rest of the NBA. They humiliated the Los Angeles Lakers in a 121-92 win on Wednesday. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 30 points and nine assists in three quarters.

After missing six consecutive games due to a back injury, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Lu Dort 's status has been upgraded for Saturday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. The Thunder improved to 12-1 after two impressive wins against the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers at the Paycom Center.

The NBA-best Oklahoma City Thunder (12-1) look for their fifth straight win on Saturday night when they catch the Charlotte Hornets (4-8) on the back end of a road-home back-to-back.