The Magic had a good start on both offense and defense as they lead early. Vucevic was strong in the paint.
OKC made a run with 6:32 remaining on the clock cutting the lead to two 13-15. Durant’s dunk tied the game. Oladipo, on the other hand, was consistent on his scoring as he leads a high-speed and young Orlando Magic team. The Magic was actually very sensational against a powerful team. With their running game, the Thunder guys looks older. The question is can they persevere to the end? 31-35 was the score of the 1st quarter, Magic leading by 4.
OKC seems to be up to the challenge as the second quarter starts. However, the Magic were shooting well with a very high 67% Field Goal shooting. They are now leading 40-52. Vucevic was 8 out of 8 and was yet to miss. The Magic did not slow down with 4 minutes remaining on the clock extending the lead to fifteen, 48-63. While I’m watching, it seemed the Magic did not miss a shot because of their consistency and speed.
Oladipo did show his excellent ball handling skills as they end the 2nd quarter with a 14-point lead, 53-67. Four of Magic players are already in double digits scoring.
On the 3rd quarter, finally Vucevic missed a shot. OKC however needed more contribution from Westbrook and Ibaka. The Magic never lacks help, as Fourmier was also consistent on his offense while Ibaka was still struggling.
It was on the transition offense that the Magic is excellent. Magic players are all over the place with their second chance point by way of follow-ups. Ibaka however seems to be out-of-sync.
Notable play on the last seconds of the third quarter was when all 5 of Magic players on the floor rush back for the fast break, which is pretty much the story of the game so far.
At the start of the 4th quarter, I was convinced that the Magic, in this kind of performance, would have the chance for the playoffs this year. As the game continued, it seemed to be a blow out but OKC will surely make a run anytime soon.
Four minutes remaining, OKC got closer with only 8 points lead by the Magic. Vucevic however maintains his record with only one missed shot. OKC continued its effort cutting the lead to six only.
Westbrook, who is silent in the early parts of the game, is now attacking. He seemed to be unstoppable as he cut the lead to four. Augustine helped him with a big 3-point shot putting the lead to only one.
OKC is now imposing a much tighter defense compared to the earlier quarters. Oladipo however is just 1 assist shy to have a triple double performance in this game.
Westbrook continued attacking with his signature slice to the center, a little bump, and floating the ball for a shot using the board, which is very hard to defend even against taller players. It is now only 1-point lead for the Magic. The game just went from loop sided to exciting. Westbrook went from quite to very sensational. He is just a special player and a point guard, who is hard to compare to anyone else on the league.
9.5 seconds remaining on the clock, Durant made a big three. The game is now tied. It was really a picture perfect shot, much needed shot for OKC. Durant has been doing this in the league and it is just so easy for him.
However, Oladipo made a big three of his own and suddenly the Magic is back with a 3-point lead.
Westbrook’s presence of mind saved OKC as he brought the ball back and released a shot just two-step away from the half-court line. He made it! Game was tied again and we are heading for overtime. We never expected the game to end like this, so much excitement on the latter part. Moreover, it is not yet over!
1st Overtime
Westbrook continued doing his move and the OKC defending well this time. Westbrook has 41 points already after a 3-point play. Durant had 39 points as well. OKC is now leading 5 points. OKC making stops and the Magic is now missing. They might be feeling the pressure now.
1:17 remaining on the clock, OKC is leading only by 1 point. OKC made a big rebound and Westbrook made a jump shot bringing back the lead to three. However, Oladipo with his sensational game as well, made another big three again to tie the game and brought the game to its second overtime.
2nd Overtime
Westbrook played like there is no tomorrow. He is all over the place contributing on assists, follow-ups, 3 points, and jump shots.
3 minutes remaining, OKC leads with 5 points. Oladipo is missing now. Payton on the rescue as he cut the lead to 2 points only with a three point shot.
On a play, Adams received the ball and was fouled to stop the clock. He made both free throws bringing back the lead to 4 points 9.3 seconds left on the second overtime.
Six seconds remaining with only 3 points lead, the Magic inbounds the ball for a play. Fournier supposed to take the three but was rejected. Oladipo aims for a three but blocked. Finally, this game ends. 139-136, OKC came up from a comeback win. This is the best game so far and the best player performance so far for Westbrook, Durant, Oladipo, and Vucevic.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Orlando Magic (Oct 30)
