A stellar 40-point performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander propelled the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 113-108 win over the Orlando Magic, sealing their third consecutive playoff appearance and making them the first team this season to secure a postseason berth.
The Thunder’s star guard led from the front, while Chet Holmgren contributed a strong double-double with 20 points and 12 rebounds. Ajay Mitchell added 16 points as Oklahoma City held off a balanced Magic side, where Paolo Banchero impressed with 32 points and 10 rebounds. Despite having all five starters in double figures, Orlando slipped to a second straight defeat after a seven-game winning run.
In New York, Josh Hart delivered one of the finest performances of his career, scoring 33 points on an astonishing 12-of-13 shooting to lead the Knicks to a dominant 136-110 win over the Indiana Pacers. Hart also added seven rebounds and five assists as the Knicks extended their winning streak to four games. Karl-Anthony Towns and Jose Alvarado both recorded double-doubles in a commanding team display. The Pacers, meanwhile, slumped to a franchise-record 14th straight loss.
The Denver Nuggets cruised past the injury-hit Philadelphia 76ers 124-96, with Christian Braun scoring 22 points and Nikola Jokic orchestrating play with 14 assists. Denver led comfortably from the start, building a 32-point halftime advantage against a depleted 76ers lineup missing key players.
San Antonio Spurs continued their remarkable form with a 132-104 win over the Sacramento Kings. Victor Wembanyama scored 18 points in limited minutes, while Keldon Johnson matched that tally off the bench. The Spurs have now won 19 of their last 21 games, keeping pressure on the Western Conference leaders.
Elsewhere, Julius Randle scored 32 points to guide the Minnesota Timberwolves past the Phoenix Suns 116-104, while LaMelo Ball recorded 30 points and 13 assists in the Charlotte Hornets’ 136-106 win over Miami Heat.
Detroit Pistons’ Jalen Duren delivered a career-high 36 points in a 130-117 victory over Washington Wizards, while Evan Mobley and James Harden starred with 27 points each as the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated Milwaukee Bucks 123-116.
With playoff races intensifying, Oklahoma City’s early qualification sets the tone, while several teams surge and others struggle to keep pace in a rapidly shifting NBA landscape.
