Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a stellar 37-point performance, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 112-100 victory over the Orlando Magic during Saturday’s NBA action, tying them with Minnesota for the top spot in the Western Conference. The Saturday night game saw Gilgeous-Alexander excel at scoring while drawing fouls, converting all six of his and-one free throws.
Gilgeous-Alexander, who emphasized his core strength and finishing touch as keys to his success, achieved his high score without relying on 3-pointers. He missed all four attempts from beyond the arc but was highly efficient inside, going 13-16 on two-pointers and 11-12 at the free-throw line.
“A lot of core strength,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “I work on my core a lot. That’s that’s the main thing I work on in summertime. And then I’m always working on my touch around the basket. I just try to focus. After you get hit and you have a shot to make it a three-point play, it’s worth the second of focus to try and get three points.”
Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley acknowledged the difficulty in guarding Gilgeous-Alexander, praising his ability to handle multiple defenders and create scoring opportunities.
“Shai is a tough guard,” Mosley said. “You put multiple defenders on him. By the time you send a double team, he’s looking to turn the corner. And that’s what makes him a great player.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder, Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic Updates
The Thunder, on a four-game winning streak and sitting at 27-11, also saw significant contributions from Jalen Williams, who scored 16 points, and Chet Holmgren, who added 15 points. Despite a cold shooting night from the three-point line (8-36), Thunder coach Mark Daigneault commended his team’s ability to grind out a win.
“There was like, covers on the hoop in the first half,” Daigneault said. “I thought we did a great job of manufacturing a win there out of a night that we didn’t shoot particularly well.”
The Magic, hampered by injuries to key players like Franz Wagner and Wendell Carter Jr., had Paolo Banchero leading their effort with 20 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists. However, they suffered their third consecutive loss.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder, Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic Updates
The game also marked the first regular-season meeting between the top two picks of the 2022 draft – Banchero and Holmgren. Banchero, last season’s Rookie of the Year, faced off against Holmgren, a strong contender for this season’s Rookie of the Year award.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s dominant first half, which included 22 points, helped the Thunder establish a 49-40 lead at halftime. A highlight moment was his steal and subsequent awkward-angle basket while drawing a foul.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder, Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic Updates
The Thunder maintained their lead throughout the second half, with Jalen Williams’ near-half-court shot at the end of the third quarter boosting their advantage. Mosley praised his team’s resilience, emphasizing their fighting spirit.
“I love our guys’ fight,” Mosley said. “That’s one thing that I think is commonplace for us. That’s how we’re going to have to play. That’s how we give ourselves an opportunity by committee.”
Looking ahead, the Magic will face the New York Knicks on Monday night, while the Thunder take on the Los Angeles Lakers.
