Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Lights Up N.B.A. Playoffs, Stuns Magic in Thrilling Win

ORLANDO, FL — In the heart of enemy territory, a pumped-up Shai Gilgeous-Alexander looked around for someone on his side to celebrate with. The first person he saw was Jaylin Williams , who was equally ecstatic after watching Alex Caruso get a key steal and dunk down the stretch of OKC's road game against Orlando on Tuesday. And they emphatically dapped each other up, sending a clapping sound that echoed throughout a now-quiet Kia Center.

That essentially secured OKC's 113-108 win . The Thunder (54-15) also clinched a playoff berth with the victory. Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 40 points, five rebounds and four steals on 14-for-27 shooting from the field (3 for 5 from deep) in 36 minutes.

He scored 28 of those points during the second half after a sluggish start. Here are three takeaways from the win: Order new book on Thunder's run to NBA title More: How OKC Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander became NBA's most consistent player Isaiah Hartenstein doesn't need put up points to be productive Isaiah Hartenstein's push shot from the middle of the paint is automatic. It's muscle memory at this point for the 27-year-old center, who can flick a high-flying floater over even the tallest of defenders.

But when Hartenstein caught a pass from that spot early in the second quarter, a different instinct kicked in. It was his natural urge to assist. Hartenstein quickly threw a lob to Chet Holmgren , who flew alongside the baseline and caught the pass in mid-air for a two-handed slam.