Grading Thunder players in comeback victory over Magic

The Thunder came all the way back from down 16 points against the Magic to win 116-108. After starting off the year 0-3, the Thunder are now on a four-game win streak and have a winning record for the first time since the start of the 2020-2021 season. This is thanks to some big performances from Thunder players, specifically Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the Oklahoma City Thunder past the Orlando Magic with an electric 34-point performance.

The Thunder have faced tough opponent after tough opponent to start the year but finally faced a subpar team in the Orlando Magic. However, the Magic created an issue for the Thunder, using a tall lineup that featured just one player below 6’10” on the floor. In the first half, the Magic scored 66 points, which is the most points the Thunder have allowed in a first half so far this season.

However, Gilgeous-Alexander carried the offensive side of the floor and OKC eventually got things going on the defensive side of the ball too. Oklahoma City recorded 13 steals and forced 25, crowding the paint every time a Magic big got the ball inside.

The Thunder are now tied for the 6th seed in the Western Conference and the Thunder are currently trending toward a play-in spot rather than a bottom-five record in the league. As SGA continues to play at an MVP level, the supporting cast is putting in work alongside him on both ends of the floor.