TITLE: Thunder Stay Perfect, Magic End Slide, Bucks Down Warriors Minus Antetokounmpo
SLUG: thunder-stay-perfect-magic-end-slide-bucks-down-warriors
CONTENT:
Oklahoma City, Orlando and Milwaukee produced the key storylines on a busy NBA Thursday night.
Thunder 127, Wizards 108
Oklahoma City moved to 6-0 after controlling Washington at Paycom Center. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 31 points in three quarters, anchoring an effort that featured 16 steals and 23 Wizards turnovers. Isaiah Joe, appearing for the first time this season, hit five three-pointers and finished with 20 points.
The victory pushed the Thunder’s interconference winning streak to 21 games, the longest such run in league history. While different players have contributed nightly, Gilgeous-Alexander has been the constant on both ends of the court.
Magic 123, Hornets 107
Orlando snapped a four-game skid by shooting 52 percent from the field and 42 percent beyond the arc at Amway Center. Franz Wagner led with 21 points, Paolo Banchero handed out nine assists, and rookie Anthony Black delivered his best game of the season with 20 points on 8-for-13 shooting.
The Magic forced 21 Charlotte turnovers and turned them into 29 points. Jonathan Isaac added three second-quarter blocks during a 15-minute burst off the bench.
“That’s the blueprint,” coach Jamahl Mosley said postgame. “That’s who we are when we’re at our best.”
Bucks 120, Warriors 110
Milwaukee overcame the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo to win at Chase Center. Ryan Rollins poured in a career-best 32 points, and seven other Bucks reached double figures.
Golden State got 74 combined points from Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Jonathan Kuminga, but coach Steve Kerr pointed to defensive lapses. “We’re like 0-12 when the stars don’t play,” Kerr said with a laugh. “If I were the opposing coach, I’d sit my star every time.”
The three results underscored an eventful night that kept Oklahoma City unbeaten, restarted Orlando’s momentum and reminded Golden State that even a short-handed opponent can be dangerous.
Source: Hoops Wire
