The Oklahoma City Thunder, with a record of 16-22, faced off against the Orlando Magic, standing at 14-24, in a closely contested game that ended with a final score of 126-115. Despite their efforts, the Thunder could not secure victory on the road.

ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 4: Wendell Carter Jr. #34 of the Orlando Magic dunks the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder January 4, 2023 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)

At Amway Center, home to the Orlando Magic, fans witnessed an intense matchup where both teams displayed impressive offensive skills. The Thunder started strong in the first quarter with 28 points but found themselves trailing as the Magic put up 31 points. The second quarter saw the Thunder add another 25 points to their tally; however, they were outpaced by a surging Magic offense that racked up an additional 39 points.

The Oklahoma City team showed resilience after halftime by dominating the third quarter with an impressive display of scoring prowess totaling 35 points while holding their opponents to just 25. Entering into the final stretch of play in fourth quarter action was intense as both teams battled it out on court; ultimately though it would be home side who prevailed adding another decisive blow through scoring yet again more than visitors - this time around netting themselves thirty-one against twenty-seven from OKC.

ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 4: Wendell Carter Jr. #34 of the Orlando Magic shoots a three point basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder on January 4, 2023 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)

Key players for Oklahoma City contributed significantly throughout game: they managed nine steals and three blocks defensively while also dishing out twenty-three assists offensively which helped them maintain competitiveness despite eventual loss. Their shooting accuracy from beyond arc stood at forty-one percent as fifteen three-pointers found net over course match; additionally free throw line proved fruitful ground where they achieved ninety percent success rate sinking twenty-eight shots therefrom.

However, it wasn't enough to overcome a dominant performance by Orlando who boasted higher field goal percentage (fifty-two percent) and controlled boards grabbing fifty-eight rebounds compared to forty-four from visiting side. The home team also excelled inside paint amassing forty-eight points within that area alone – testament to their effective penetration and finishing close rim.

ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 4: Wendell Carter Jr. #34 of the Orlando Magic drives to the basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder on January 4, 2023 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)

As for bench contributions both sides matched each other point-for-point contributing forty-six apiece which highlighted depth within respective rosters but ultimately difference maker came down key moments when host managed pull away thanks largely part due having led majority time during contest – clocking in over forty-two minutes lead compared just one minute thirty-three seconds for visitors.

Looking ahead now focus shifts towards next challenge awaiting Oklahoma City Thunder: They are set host Washington Wizards at Paycom Center located right heart downtown OKC on January sixth starting eight o'clock evening local time (Central Standard Time). Fans eager watch can tune into broadcast networks BSOK or NBCS-DC depending upon location ensuring they don't miss any action unfolding live before them come gameday evening.

Oklahoma City Thunder - NBA - Recap

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