Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered another standout performance with 35 points, while Jalen Williams’ crucial fourth-quarter surge sealed a 105-99 victory for the Oklahoma City Thunder over the Orlando Magic on Thursday night.
In a gritty matchup, Oklahoma City demonstrated resilience in their first outing since falling short in the NBA Cup final earlier this week.
Williams’ decisive six-point run in the fourth quarter came at a pivotal moment, thwarting a spirited comeback attempt from the Magic led by rookie Anthony Black, who matched his career-high with 23 points. The Thunder leaned heavily on their defensive prowess, entering the night as the NBA’s top defensive unit, and managed to sustain their lead despite a prolonged scoring drought in the second half.
Isaiah Hartenstein proved invaluable for the Thunder with a double-double, contributing 12 points and 12 rebounds. Alongside Williams, who tallied 11 points, Aaron Wiggins and Alex Caruso also chipped in with 11 points apiece. Oklahoma City’s ability to distribute the scoring load underscored their depth and adaptability in a challenging contest.
For the Magic, Black’s hot hand kept the game competitive, particularly in the fourth quarter where he scored the team’s first nine points. Goga Bitadze added a robust 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Wendell Carter delivered a double-double of his own with 10 points and 13 boards. Despite their efforts, Orlando couldn’t overcome a turnover-plagued outing, committing 20 errors against a suffocating Thunder defense.
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The Thunder set the tone early, responding to their NBA Cup loss with an 18-4 run to open the second quarter. This surge created a cushion that proved crucial as they weathered a five-minute, 51-second scoring drought in the second half. Even in moments of offensive stagnation, Oklahoma City’s defensive intensity ensured they retained control.
A key turning point came with Gilgeous-Alexander on the bench and the Thunder clinging to a three-point lead early in the fourth. Jalen Williams took over, scoring six straight points, including a highlight-worthy spinning layup and an emphatic driving dunk. This sequence initiated a decisive 14-3 run that gave Oklahoma City the breathing room they needed to close out the game.
Orlando, playing without the firepower of injured forwards Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, struggled to find offensive rhythm against the league’s best defensive unit. Banchero missed his 24th consecutive game, while Wagner was sidelined for the fourth straight. Their absence magnified the Magic’s turnover issues and inability to convert during critical stretches.
The Thunder’s elite defense once again shone brightly. Coming into the matchup as the NBA leaders in defensive metrics—including points allowed per game, field-goal percentage, and steals—they improved many of those numbers. The team’s ability to disrupt opposing offenses has been the backbone of their success this season.
Orlando Showed Some Signs of Promise
Despite the loss, Orlando showed flashes of promise, particularly through Anthony Black’s aggressive scoring and Goga Bitadze’s strong presence in the paint. However, their recent struggles continued, marking their third straight loss and fourth in the last five games.
As the Thunder prepare for their third road game in four nights, a clash with the Miami Heat looms large on Friday. Meanwhile, the Magic will look to regroup when they host Miami on Saturday night. Both teams face pivotal opportunities to solidify their footing as the season progresses.
Ultimately, Thursday’s game highlighted Oklahoma City’s defensive identity and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s superstar impact. For Orlando, the absence of key players and turnover woes remain significant hurdles. The Thunder, however, left no doubt about their ability to bounce back under pressure, solidifying their place as a team to watch in the NBA’s competitive landscape.