Orlando Magic suffer first loss since March 1, snapping seven-game win streak The Orlando Magic fell to the Atlanta Hawks 124-112 on Monday, marking their first defeat since March 1. The loss ended a seven-game winning streak and intensified competition in the Southeast Division. The Magic remain fifth in the Eastern Conference, tied with Toronto, and hold a half-game lead over the Miami Heat while maintaining a 1.5-game advantage over the Atlanta Hawks and Philadelphia 76ers with 15 games remaining in the regular season. Orlando faces a critical test against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday, March 17, at Kia Center. The Thunder, the league’s top team with a 53-15 record, bring an eight-game win streak and a 7-0 March record to Central Florida. Despite missing All-Star guard Jalen Williams, Oklahoma remains a formidable force, highlighted by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 20-point performance in a 116-103 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Thunder’s Chet Holmgren added 21 points, while SGA extended his 20-point scoring streak to 128 games, surpassing Wilt Chamberlain’s previous record. Orlando, meanwhile, has posted a 7-2 record in March despite the ongoing absences of key players Franz Wagner and Anthony Black. The Magic have avoided consecutive losses since February, but their upcoming matchup against the Thunder adds intrigue. The Thunder have dominated the Magic in recent meetings, including a 128-92 blowout on February 3, where Isaiah Hartenstein recorded his first triple-double. The Magic’s Jalen Suggs led the team with 20 points and six assists, but the rest of the roster struggled, combining for 27-of-79 shooting. The Thunder’s dominance extends to their road performance, with a 24-8 record and a 16-6 mark against Eastern Conference opponents.#oklahoma_city_thunder #orlando_magic #atlanta_hawks #shai_gilgeousalexander #isaias_hartenstein
