Balanced Thunder cruise past cold-shooting Magic, 102-86

OKLAHOMA CITY – It was already going to be an uphill battle for the Magic against the undefeated Thunder (7-0) on Monday night at Paycom Center without Paolo Banchero (torn right abdominal muscle) for the second straight night. .

Oklahoma City entered the contest winning the first six games of the season by an average of 17.7 points, with no score coming closer than 12.

But Orlando didn't do itself any favors on offense and could do nothing but watch as Oklahoma City's Jalen Williams (23 points), MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (21) and center Chet Holmgren (14) combined for 58 points 102-86 home win.

Despite Franz Wagner's team-high 22 points, the Magic trailed all night and had as many as 26 points in their fourth straight loss.

Orlando (3-5) ends its five-game road trip at the Pacers on Wednesday.

From 5

The Magic were without Wendell Carter Jr. (strained plantar fascia in his left foot) after the starter missed the second half of Sunday's game in Dallas.

Coach Jamahl Mosley brought Goga Bitadze into the starting lineup when the big substitute was made available after a four-game absence due to a strained tendon in his left foot.

Bitadze joined Jalen Suggs (11 points), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Wagner and rookie Tristan da Silva, who made his second career start after being called up against the Mavericks.

Wagner, who looked fresher after recovering from illness, attacked the team consistently and at the same time used his skill to evade the defenders. That led to more opportunities at the free throw line, where he shot 5 of 6 (23 of 27) as part of Orlando's bigger shooting there.

Da Silva continued to appear comfortable on the court and had success cutting to the basket. However, the rookie was inefficient from the field (4 of 12) and scored a total of nine points.

In his first game back, Bitadze filled the stat sheet with 11 points, nine rebounds and four assists. He also provided needed size around the rim on both ends.

Caldwell-Pope continued to lack offensive firepower (6 points on 1 of 7 shooting), but he focused more on defense, where he had four steals.

Second unit

Normally an Orlando strength, its bench was a weakness against the Thunder.

The first five on the field included Moe Wagner, Jett Howard, Anthony Black and Jonathan Isaac, but Mosley tried to keep one of Franz Wagner or Suggs on the field for the first three quarters.

Black helped defend Gilgeous-Alexander at times, but failed to convert from 3-point range (0 of 5).

It was Moe Wagner who led the reserves with nine points and seven rebounds.

At the end of the night, Oklahoma City's bench outscored Orlando's 34-19.

Difference from a distance

After shooting 8 of 41 from 3-point range on Sunday night in Dallas, the Magic continued to have little to no luck from beyond the arc against the Thunder.

The shooting woes continued as Orlando shot 1 of 17 (5.9%) from long range in the first half before going 5 of 34 (14.7%).

And where the Magic couldn't hit from 3, the Thunder were much more precise. Oklahoma City exceeded its season average (34.3%) when it hit 38.7% against Orlando.