Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 24, but it was the defensive effort down the stretch that helped Oklahoma City notch a 102-94 win over the Orlando Magic Tuesday night.
The Thunder held Orlando to just 39% field goal shooting and a paltry 13.6% from the three-point line. The Magic, who came into Tuesday’s contest dead last in the NBA in offensive rating, shot especially poorly in the fourth quarter, hitting only 5-of-19 attempts from the floor.
Oklahoma City helped their own cause by creating 14 Magic turnovers that they turned into 21 points.
Not surprisingly, Billy Donovan was happy with his team’s defensive effort late in the game and told reporters afterward that he’s seen “growth and improvement” from his team, per the Associated Press.
“I thought we executed very well and then we defended really, really well coming down the stretch,” Oklahoma City coach Billy Donovan said. “I’ve seen significant growth and improvement from the guys.”
Steven Adams was back in the starting lineup after missing the last two games with a left knee contusion. He produced a double-double, scoring 11 points while leading the Thunder with 11 rebounds in 26 minutes of game time.
Chris Paul, who has been critical of his own play at times this season, added 20 against the Magic, scoring eight of those points in the final 2:09 of the game. He also tallied six assists.
Three other players for Oklahoma City were in double-digits.
Dennis Schroder, who had averaged 19.5 points over the last four games, had a less than stellar outing. He hit only 2 of his 11 attempts from the floor, scoring just five points.
Luckily, the Thunder didn’t need him as much Tuesday. Oklahoma City has now won four in a row against the Magic and 10 of the last 12.
