Photo/Randy Renner
The Thunder used a stingy defense once again to get through some of their own offensive struggles against the Orlando Magic.
The visitors made just 26% of their shots in the fourth quarter and lost 102-94. Orlando hasn't managed to score 100 points in any of the team's five games this season.
OKC has become one of the best defensive teams in the NBA during the first three weeks of the season giving up just 100.7 points (3rd), on 40.3% overall shooting (2nd) and 27.3% on threes (1st).
"We defended really, really well coming down the stretch," head coach Billy Donovan said after the game. "I think they had 15 points in the quarter, and we rebounded the ball off their misses, so there are some things we can get better at but I’ve seen significant growth and improvement from the guys."
Offense has been a struggle at times and it was again last night especially in the third quarter when Donovan thought "the offense bogged down a little bit," scoring just 23 points.
Overall though the Thunder played well and closed strong. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 24 points, Chris Paul added 20 and Steven Adams, back from a bruised knee had a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.
The Thunder will fly to San Antonio later today for tomorrow night's game with the Spurs then will host a rare home back-to-back Saturday and Sunday against the Warriors and the Bucks.