Thunder Clinch Playoff Berth
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered another impressive 40-point performance as the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Orlando Magic 113-108, becoming the first NBA team to secure a playoff spot this season.
The 27-year-old Canadian shot 14 from 27 from the field, extending his record for most consecutive 20-point games to 129.
Chet Holmgren contributed 20 points and 12 rebounds as the Western Conference leaders recorded their ninth consecutive victory, improving their season record to 54-15.
"We got off to a good start but then the car kind of came off the road for a little bit," reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Gilgeous-Alexander said.
"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."
Other Western Conference Results
The San Antonio Spurs remain second in the Western Conference following a commanding 132-104 victory over the Sacramento Kings. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves secured a 116-104 win against the Phoenix Suns.
Eastern Conference Updates
In the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons extended the Washington Wizards' losing streak to 13 games with a 130-117 triumph, strengthening their position at the top of the conference.
However, the Pistons' victory was overshadowed by an injury to star point guard Cade Cunningham, who exited the game in the first quarter due to a back issue.
The New York Knicks maintained third place in the East after a decisive 136-110 win over the Indiana Pacers. The Pacers suffered their 14th consecutive loss, leaving last year's NBA Finals runners-up with a 15-54 record this season.
