Magic battle hard but fall short against visiting Thunder

Orlando's strong record on back-to-backs couldn't overcome Oklahoma City's hot streak.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 2:03am

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The Orlando Magic, despite having an impressive 8-2 record in games on the second night of a back-to-back, were unable to overcome the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder, who entered the game with the best record in the NBA and had won their past eight contests. The Magic had previously lost to the Thunder by 36 points earlier in the season.

Why it matters

The Magic's inability to defeat the league-leading Thunder, even at home, highlights the challenges the team faces in competing with the NBA's elite squads, especially when playing on short rest. This loss could impact Orlando's playoff positioning in a tight Eastern Conference race.

The details

The Magic were coming off a loss to the Atlanta Hawks the previous night and faced a tough test against the surging Thunder, who had already beaten Orlando handily earlier in the season. Despite the Magic's strong record in back-to-back games, they were unable to overcome Oklahoma City's momentum and talent.

  • The Magic entered Tuesday's game against the Thunder with an 8-2 record in games on the second night of a back-to-back.
  • The Thunder had won their past eight contests before facing the Magic.

The players

Jamahl Mosley

The head coach of the Orlando Magic.

Oklahoma City Thunder

The NBA team that defeated the Orlando Magic, entering the game with the best record in the league and an eight-game winning streak.

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The takeaway

This loss highlights the challenges the Magic face in competing with the NBA's elite teams, especially when playing on short rest. The team's inability to overcome the surging Thunder could impact their playoff positioning in a tight Eastern Conference race.