Oklahoma City Thunder beat Orlando Magic to clinch NBA play-off berth
The Oklahoma City Thunder have become the first team to secure an NBA play-off berth after a 113-108 victory over the Orlando Magic.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander orchestrated the triumph with an outstanding 40-point performance on the road.
The 27-year-old Canadian shot 14 from 27 from the field, extending his astonishing record of consecutive 20-point games to 129.
Chet Holmgren provided vital support with 20 points and 12 rebounds to help the Western Conference leaders claim their ninth consecutive victory.
Momentum swings and Western Conference dominance
The franchise now boasts a formidable 54-15 record for the season, underlining their status as genuine championship contenders.
“We got off to a good start but then the car kind of came off the road for a little bit,” said reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Gilgeous-Alexander.
“But that’s what great teams do – they figure out a way to get the car back on the road, they figure out a way to go into a building and win a game when the chips are stacked against you, and we did that tonight.”
Spurs stay second as Pistons maintain Eastern grip
Elsewhere in the West, the San Antonio Spurs retained second place following a comfortable 132-104 victory over the Sacramento Kings.
The Minnesota Timberwolves also enjoyed a successful night, dispatching the Phoenix Suns 116-104.
Over in the Eastern Conference, the table-topping Detroit Pistons handed the Washington Wizards a 13th straight defeat to strengthen their lead.
However, their 130-117 triumph was significantly marred by a back injury to star point guard Cade Cunningham, who was forced off during the first quarter.
Knicks cruise while Pacers continue to struggle
The New York Knicks solidified their grip on third place in the East by delivering a thumping 136-110 win over the Indiana Pacers.
That result inflicted a 14th consecutive loss upon last year’s NBA Finals runners-up, leaving the struggling franchise with a dismal 15-54 record this term.
