Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Drops 40 As Oklahoma City Thunder Punch Playoff Ticket

Last Updated:March 18, 2026, 10:24 IST

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 113-108 victory over the Orlando Magic, bagging their spot in the NBA playoffs.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 113-108 win against the Orlando Magic on Tuesday, bagging their spot in the NBA playoffs.

Chet Holmgren supported with 20 points and 12 rebounds, while Ajay Mitchell contributed 16 points, helping the NBA champions seal the victory in the fourth quarter.

Oklahoma City’s ninth consecutive victory brings them to a 54-15 record, maintaining their lead at the top of the Western Conference, ahead of the second-placed San Antonio Spurs.

Orlando, now at 38-30, remains in sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings. Paolo Banchero topped Orlando’s score sheet with 32 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists.

Reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Gilgeous-Alexander praised the Thunder’s resilience after an uneven first half. “We started well but then faced some challenges," he said. “However, great teams find a way to overcome obstacles and secure wins, and we did that tonight."

Gilgeous-Alexander’s outstanding performance extended his record streak of consecutive games scoring 20 points or more to 129.

San Antonio kept pace with Oklahoma City by dominating the Sacramento Kings in a 132-104 blowout. Seven San Antonio players scored in double figures, with Victor Wembanyama and Keldon Johnson each contributing 18 points.

In Minneapolis, Julius Randle’s 32 points propelled the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 116-104 victory over the Phoenix Suns.

In the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons strengthened their lead at the top with a 130-117 win over the Washington Wizards. The Pistons improved to 49-19, led by Jalen Duren’s 36 points, though the victory was marred by an injury to Cade Cunningham, who left the game in the first quarter with a back problem.

The New York Knicks remain in third place in the East after a 136-110 triumph over the struggling Indiana Pacers, last year’s NBA Finals runners-up, who are now 15-54 this season.

Josh Hart led the Knicks with 33 points, including a perfect 5-for-5 from three-point range, while OG Anunoby added 26 points and Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 22.

(With AFP Inputs)

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