Box Score | Play-by-Play
Nuggets & Notes
During the Oklahoma City Thunder's recent slump (going 16-9 since that scorching 24-1 start), one consistent issue in the losses has been a slow start. And let me tell you, the game sure does look different with a 25-point lead after one quarter of action.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came out hot in the first quarter, scoring 10 points, dishing 6 assists, and nabbing 2 steals.
After that quick start, SGA looked very human, struggling with his shot and at one point, missed 9 straight field goals. Shai still got his 20 points even as he sat the entirety of the fourth quarter. He needs just 5 more to tie Wilt Chamberlain's record of 126 straight games with at least 20.
The MVP got OKC off to a rolling start, but the supporting cast stepped up in a big way to help build the lead, hold the lead, and the grow the lead in waning minutes of the game.
Let's start with Isaiah Joe who detonated with 22 points on 8-of-12 shooting (5-of-8 from three). Joe's night was punctuated by a run of scoring 9 straight points for the Thunder, capped by a poster and-1 dunk over Paolo Banchero.
JOE GOT 🆙 https://t.co/fV7aA4ecvv pic.twitter.com/V9H11NF3LW
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) February 4, 2026
Joe's 22 points led all scorers.
Lu Dort was firing as well. Dort poured in 18 points, including 4-of-5 from three. On each of his makes, I'm not sure his shots even grazed the rim–they were pure.
Chet Holmgren celebrated his All-Star selection with yet another double-double, 16 points and 10 rebounds.
Isaiah Hartenstein took a three pointer! He missed. One day!
However, Hart was really good. More on him in the One Key Takeaway.
In fact, the Thunder had 12 players see the court, and all 12 players put points in the bucket. Total team win.
As a team, OKC activated theft mode, racking up 12 steals. Cason Wallace, fresh off his career high scoring night against the Nuggets, wanted to be sure everyone knew he plays defense pretty good with 4 steals of his own.
A lot of it is shots falling, but the Thunder finished with 33 assists on 48 made field goals. OKC is unbeaten when dishing 28 assists or more in a game.
The Thunder also won the battle of the boards (52-38), including 14 offensive rebounds. It sure is nice having all your bigs healthy.
That first quarter was rough for the Orlando Magic. The Magic shot just 18% from the field, 0% from three, and scored 14 points.
Paolo Banchero struggled to find rhythm, finishing with a -29.
Last night's dominating win was a great way to follow up the impressive wire-to-wire win over the Nuggets.
One Key Takeaway
Isaiah Hartenstein, y'all. I don't know how many times I wrote how much I missed Hart when he was injured. There's just so much he brings to the team–rebounding and box outs, screening, smart scoring, and passing. All those things were on display last night as Hartenstein achieved his first triple double. IHart scored 12 points, along with 10 rebounds, and 10 assists.
His passing cannot be ignored. If you go back and watch some of his assists, he fits his passes into some tight windows. That Isaiah Joe poster? Made possible by Hart threading the needle, identifying just enough daylight on Joe's cut to the basket.
I'm sure you all have seen Brian Windhorst's reporting that Isaiah's name is in the trade mill, and let me tell you, there might be a riot if the Thunder trade Hartenstein (it's not going to happen, btw). One thing this team values above all is versatility. And last night, a Hart triple double is yet another exhibit of just how versatile and valuable he is to this team's title goals.