Magic Drop 3rd Straight With Loss to Thunder
The Orlando Magic's recent struggles continued as they dropped their third straight game with a 112-100 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday at the Paycom Center.
With the loss, the Magic (21-18) have lost six of their last eight games. During its three-game skid, Orlando has lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves (27-11), Miami Heat (22-16) and Thunder (27-11).
Caleb Houstan (2) made four 3-pointers against the Thunder.
Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
After trailing by as many as 15 points in the third quarter, Orlando (21-18) went on an 11-1 run to cut Oklahoma City's lead to 76-71 with three minutes left in the quarter. The Thunder regained control, closing the third stanza with a 10-2 run to lead by 13 points heading into the fourth quarter.
The Magic couldn't get within six points for the rest of the game.
Jonathan Isaac returned after missing 10 consecutive games with a hamstring injury plus an illness. He scored six points and had five rebounds.
Markelle Fultz and Joe Ingles were each out after playing against the Heat on Friday as the Magic continue to be cautious with their return from injuries. Center Wendell Carter Jr. missed his fifth straight game with right knee tendonitis.
Paolo Banchero flirted with a triple-double, scoring 20 points with nine rebounds and eight assists. Caleb Houstan scored 14 points and shot 4 of 12 from beyond the 3-point line.
Rookie Anthony Black had a strong performance off the bench with 13 points and four rebounds. Fellow guard Cole Anthony had 14 points and two assists.
Thunder guard Shai-Gilgeous-Alexander had a stellar performance with 37 points, seven assists and six rebounds. His supporting cast also did their part, as center Chet Holmgren scored 15 points and had eight rebounds plus three assists, and Jalen Williams scored 16 points and had six rebounds.
Orlando will look to get back in the win column on Monday when they face the New York Knicks (23-16) at 3 p.m. at Madison Square Garden.
