Thunder Secure Playoff Berth, Gilgeous-Alexander Extends Scoring Streak

The Oklahoma City Thunder became the first team to clinch a playoff berth in the 2025-2026 NBA season, defeating the Orlando Magic 113-108. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 40 points, extending his streak of consecutive 20-point games to 129.

Gilgeous-Alexander’s Dominant Performance

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shot 14-for-27 from the field, including 3-of-5 from three-point range, and 9-of-11 from the free-throw line. The 27-year-old Canadian also contributed five rebounds, two assists, and four steals. This performance continues a remarkable season for Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning NBA Most Valuable Player. He reflected on the game, stating, “We got off to a good start but then the car kind of came off the road for a little bit. 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 travel into a building and win a game when the chips are stacked against you, and we did that tonight.” [NBA.com]

Thunder’s Winning Streak and Standings

The victory over the Magic marks the Thunder’s ninth consecutive win, improving their record to 54-15. Chet Holmgren added a strong performance with 20 points and 12 rebounds. [NBA.com]

Other Notable NBA Results

In other NBA action on March 17, 2026:

• The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Sacramento Kings 132-104.
• The Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Phoenix Suns 116-104.
• The Detroit Pistons defeated the Washington Wizards 130-117, extending the Wizards’ losing streak to 13 games. However, the Pistons’ victory was tempered by an injury to Cade Cunningham, who left the game in the first quarter with a back issue.
• The Novel York Knicks defeated the Indiana Pacers 136-110.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: A Rising Star

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, born July 12, 1998, has quickly become one of the NBA’s premier players. He is a four-time NBA All-Star and a three-time All-NBA First Team selection. [Wikipedia] He was drafted 11th overall in 2018 by the Charlotte Hornets and subsequently traded to the Los Angeles Clippers before joining the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2019. [Wikipedia] He currently plays as a point guard and shooting guard for the Thunder. [Wikipedia]