Shai Gilgeous-Alexander nets 40 as Thunder edge Magic

Oklahoma City clinches playoff spot with victory over Orlando

Mar. 18, 2026 at 7:25am

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 points to lead the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder to a 113-105 win over the Orlando Magic on Tuesday. The Thunder clinched their ninth consecutive playoff spot with the victory, becoming the first team this season to do so. Chet Holmgren added 20 points and a game-high 12 rebounds for the Thunder, while Ajay Mitchell was the only other Oklahoma City player in double figures with 16. Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 32 points and 10 rebounds.

Why it matters

The Thunder's victory over the Magic clinches their ninth straight playoff appearance, a significant accomplishment in the competitive NBA landscape. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's dominant performance also solidifies his status as one of the league's premier players.

The details

Gilgeous-Alexander exploded in the third quarter, scoring 19 of Oklahoma City's 34 points to help the Thunder regain the lead after the Magic had built a 77-70 advantage. The Thunder then held off a late Magic rally to secure the victory.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, March 18, 2026.

The players

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Oklahoma City Thunder's star player, who scored 40 points to lead his team to victory.

Chet Holmgren

The Thunder's second-leading scorer, with 20 points and a game-high 12 rebounds.

Ajay Mitchell

The only other Oklahoma City player in double figures, with 16 points.

Paolo Banchero

The Orlando Magic's leading scorer, with 32 points and 10 rebounds.

Desmond Bane

The Magic's second-leading scorer, with 17 points.

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What’s next

The Thunder will look to build on this victory as they continue their push for a high playoff seed, while the Magic will try to bounce back from this setback.

The takeaway

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's dominant performance and the Thunder's ability to clinch a playoff spot early in the season demonstrate the team's strength and the star power of its leading player.