Recap
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Oklahoma City Thunder vs Orlando Magic: Did Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 3rd-quarter surge decide it at Kia Center?

The Oklahoma City Thunder entered Kia Center at 54-15 and left with a 113-108 result over the the Magic, who came in at 38-30.


TORONTO, ON - MARCH 16: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder dribbles against the Toronto Raptors during the first half of their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on March 16, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)

First quarter


The Oklahoma City Thunder opened with 26 points in the 1st quarter while the the Magic scored 22.


The Thunder grabbed control early by generating 54 points in the paint for the game and by converting 21 shots at the rim at 75 percent.


The Magic kept contact by getting 50 3-point attempts on the night.


Second quarter


The Thunder added 25 points in the 2nd quarter as the the Magic answered with 28.


The Thunder’s shot profile leaned on 27 free throw attempts with 89 percent at the line, and the the Magic finished with 20 attempts at 85 percent.


The Magic created extra possessions through 21 second-chance points.


Third quarter


The Thunder’s defining push came with 34 points in the 3rd quarter while the the Magic scored 29, a swing that matched the game’s biggest lead of 18.


Shai Gilgeous-Alexander carried over form from the previous game with 40 points on 52 percent shooting and 4 steals, and his scoring pace aligned with an OKC offensive rating of 110.


Chet Holmgren’s previous-game line of 20 points and 12 rebounds fit the Thunder’s control of the glass that showed up as 62 total rebounds in this one.


This Oklahoma City Thunder vs Orlando Magic recap also reflected Oklahoma City’s ball security, as the Thunder finished with 12 turnovers and turned them into 15 points off turnovers.


Fourth quarter


The Thunder closed with 28 points in the 4th quarter while the the Magic posted 29, and the margin held through 7 ties and 5 lead changes.


The Magic’s perimeter production showed in 17 made 3-pointers at 34 percent, while the Thunder finished 9 makes at 31 percent.


Oklahoma City’s bench contributed 32 points compared with 22 for the the Magic, a gap that mattered in the post game analysis and in the Oklahoma City Thunder vs Orlando Magic tactical recap.


The game also fit an Oklahoma City Thunder vs Orlando Magic full match report frame through team defense, with the Thunder posting 8 steals and 3 blocks while the the Magic recorded 8 steals and 2 blocks.


The Thunder’s next game will air from Barclays Center at 620 Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn, New York, on 3/18/2026 at 7:30 PM EDT, with viewing on YES and FDSOK.


Run it back by sharing this article with Thunder fans looking for a clean game recap, box score context, and late-game notes.

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