Entering the match the OKC Thunder had a true disadvantage given the Hornets hadn’t played since Sunday. A full five days rest over a club who played less than 24 hours prior is hardly a fair fight. And yet, the Thunder dug deep to pull out an overtime victory.
Inexplicably it was the Thunder who had more energy in the first quarter. This, of course, gave credence to the rust over rest argument. Despite various brief runs by the Hornets, it became very clear early on this Thunder squad is more disciplined and arguably much deeper in talent.