In a thrilling display, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) took the reins for the Oklahoma City Thunder, propelling them to victory with a stellar third-quarter performance. SGA poured in 19 points, transforming a 7-point deficit into a 6-point lead, showcasing why he's in the MVP conversation.
With this win, the Thunder have officially secured their playoff spot, marking their 13th appearance since 2010, second most in the NBA during that span. OKC is on a roll, extending their winning streak to nine games. The only thing standing in the way of a double-digit streak is Danny Wolf.
Orlando Magic, who were riding a seven-game winning streak themselves, faced a tough back-to-back against two of the hottest teams. SGA's cousin dropped 41 on them Monday, and SGA followed with 40 on Tuesday. Seems like the Alexander cousins have a bit of a vendetta against the Magic.
The return of Ajay Mitchell has revitalized OKC's bench, providing a spark when SGA takes a breather. Alongside Mitchell, the Thunder boast a deep rotation of guards including Cason Wallace, Alex Caruso, Isaiah Joe, Jared McCain, Aaron Wiggins, and Nikola Topic-an embarrassment of riches.
There was a scare when Isaiah Joe took a tumble after Desmond Bane dove for a loose ball, but fortunately, Joe emerged unscathed. Meanwhile, Chet Holmgren brought the crowd to its feet with a Dunk Party to start the second quarter, slamming home three dunks in just two minutes, including two alley-oops from Isaiah Hartenstein.
Holmgren, who seems to take a hit every game, avoided the usual face shots but took a tough one elsewhere. In a bizarre moment, Alex Caruso blocked a shot with his shoe, resulting in an automatic bucket and a technical foul. It might not have been legal, but it was certainly memorable.
The game was a series of runs: Orlando closed the second quarter on a 23-6 surge, only for OKC to answer with a 15-2 run in the third. The Magic opened the fourth with an 11-4 run, but OKC countered with an 8-0 burst.
The Thunder then iced the game with a decisive 7-0 run, turning a close 99-96 game into a 106-96 lead. Orlando's final 6-0 run was too little, too late.
Isaiah Hartenstein, despite not scoring in his two games back, has been a pivotal presence, dishing out 8 assists and grabbing 7 rebounds in just 16 minutes.
Coach Mark Daigneault seems to have the magic touch with challenges, successfully overturning 12 in a row. While the record is unknown, it's safe to say Wilt Chamberlain probably holds it.
Thunder fans made their presence known in Orlando, breaking out in chants as the game wound down.
And a shoutout to Russell Westbrook, who climbed to #5 on the NBA's all-time assists list, trailing only legends John Stockton, Chris Paul, Jason Kidd, and LeBron James.