ORLANDO, Fla. — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered an impressive performance, netting 35 points, and Jalen Williams contributed six consecutive points during a crucial stretch in the fourth quarter, enabling the Oklahoma City Thunder to fend off a late rally from the Orlando Magic, securing a 105-99 victory on Thursday night.
Isaiah Hartenstein also had a notable outing with 12 points along with 12 rebounds for the Thunder. Williams, Aaron Wiggins, and Alex Caruso each chipped in 11 points to the team’s effort.
On the other side, Anthony Black was instrumental for the Magic, scoring the initial nine points of the fourth quarter and tying his career high with 23 points. Goga Bitadze supported the team with a double-double, contributing 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Wendell Carter recorded 10 points and 13 rebounds. Unfortunately for Orlando, this loss marked their third consecutive defeat and their fourth in the last five contests.
In a key moment for the Thunder, after Gilgeous-Alexander took a break with his team ahead by three points early in the fourth, Williams sparked a pivotal 14-3 run by scoring six straight points, which included an impressive spinning layup and a powerful driving dunk.
The Thunder demonstrated solid defensive prowess, coming into the game as the league’s best in several defensive categories: allowing 103.5 points per game, 103.7 points per 100 possessions, a field-goal percentage of .424, and allowing only a .331 three-point shooting percentage. These numbers saw improvements after this game.
Looking ahead, the Thunder are scheduled for their third road game in four nights against Miami on Friday, while the Magic will be hosting Miami on Saturday evening.
