NBA: Oklahoma City Thunder is the first team to book its place in the playoff after defeating the Orlando Magic

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander enjoyed another 40-point night as the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Orlando Magic 113-108, becoming the first NBA team to secure a playoff spot.

The 27-year-old Canadian went for 14 of his 27 points from the field to extend his record for most 20-point games in a row to 129.

Chet Holmgren added 20 points and 12 rebounds as the Western Conference leaders achieved their ninth straight win, raising their record to 54-15 this season.

“We got off to a good start but then the car went off the road for a while,” NBA MVP Gilgeous-Alexander said.

“But that’s what great teams do — they figure out a way to get the car back on the road, they figure out a way to get into a building and win the game when the chips are stacked against you, and we did that tonight.”

The San Antonio Spurs maintained second place in the Western Conference after their comfortable victory over the Sacramento Kings 132-104, while the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Phoenix Suns 116-104.

In the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons suffered the Washington Wizards with their 13th loss in a row, strengthening their position at the top.

But the 130-117 victory was marred by an injury to star Cade Cunningham, who had to leave the game in the first quarter due to a back problem.

The New York Knicks remained in third place in the Eastern Conference after their 136-110 landslide victory over the Indiana Pacers, which was the fourteenth loss in a row, leaving last year’s league runner-up at 15-54 this season.