The Oklahoma City Thunder are navigating a challenging stretch in their five-game road trip, potentially facing the Brooklyn Nets without key starters Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Lu Dort. Fresh off clinching a playoff berth with a win over the Orlando Magic, the Thunder have become the first team to secure their spot this season, extending their impressive winning streak to eight and boosting their record to 54-15.
However, to push that streak to nine, the Thunder will need to adapt without Dort and Hartenstein, with Holmgren's status uncertain due to a lingering left hip contusion. Hartenstein, recently back from a left soleus injury, is sidelined for management reasons, while Dort is resting.
"As soon as I had my shoe in my hand, it crept in my mind to use it. ... It's just one of those weird NBA plays that probably won't happen for like another 10 years."
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 18, 2026
Alex Caruso on getting a tech for using his shoe to block a shot.
(via @Justintohoops)pic.twitter.com/8QyPsPf1OB https://t.co/DPknnY5ha1
In the victory against the Magic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge with an outstanding 40 points, complemented by five rebounds and four steals. Holmgren contributed significantly with 20 points, 12 rebounds, and a block. Dort added five points and two rebounds, while Hartenstein showcased his playmaking with eight assists, alongside seven rebounds and a block.
A standout moment in the Thunder's 113-108 triumph occurred in the first half when Alex Caruso made an unconventional play by using a shoe to block a shot. Despite being penalized with a goaltending and a technical foul, Caruso reflected on the moment with a mix of humor and regret.
“I've never been in that situation before,” Caruso explained. “The shoe was right there, so I thought, why not? I didn't expect the call, but if I had known, I might have thought twice.”
Caught in the moment and unable to put his shoe back on, Caruso decided to use it to make a play.
“As soon as the shoe was in my hand, the thought crossed my mind,” Caruso continued. “It wasn’t meant to be malicious, just a spur-of-the-moment decision. It’s one of those quirky NBA moments you probably won’t see again for another decade.”
Caruso wrapped up the game with two points, eight rebounds, and two steals, adding to the Thunder's resilient performance against the Magic.