OKC Thunder out duel the Orlando Magic in a defensive struggle – Grades

The OKC Thunder win their second game in a row as they fight off the scrappy Orlando Magic

In what was billed as a matchup between two of the better defensive teams in the league, both the OKC Thunder and Orlando Magic brought more offense than expected.  Each team played beautiful offensive basketball in the first half before the defenses tightened up the screws in the second half of tonight’s game.

The result was a fun, close game that resulted in an OKC Thunder victory. Just the type of game you hope to see from this young and hungry squad. Wins don’t mean as much as they have the previous ten seasons, but any time the boys in blue end up on top, it’s a good night in Oklahoma City.

OKC’s starters got off to a hot start as each one of the five scored right away as the Thunder jumped out to a double-digit first quarter lead. The Magic, not to be outdone, climbed back into the game with their length and shot making to make it a back and forth affair throughout the first half. The results were a 5 point OKC advantage heading into halftime.

After the break, Oklahoma City’s offense continued to make numerous plays as SGA, Chris Paul and Steven Adams all had their moments early in the second half. However, the offense stalled a bit and the Magic cut the lead to two going into the final frame.

The fourth quarter was a microcosm of the game we all had expected coming in, a sluggish defensive battle filled with numerous missed shots. Thankfully for OKC fans, the Thunder made just enough plays on both sides of the court to come out victorious for the third time in this young season.

It’s a joy watching this team gel as each game goes on, and they are genuinely fun to watch. That’s something none of us thought could be possible after the Thunder traded their two best players this offseason. But for now, let’s enjoy this one and head over to take a look at the player grades from tonight’s game.