(Los Angeles, February 4, 2026) — The Oklahoma City Thunder continued their strong start to the season with a dominant 128-92 victory over the Orlando Magic, amidst a busy night of NBA action highlighted by the trade of James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Darius Garland.
The Thunder’s commanding win, fueled by a 39-14 first quarter, showcased their championship caliber and established them as a force in the Western Conference.
- Isaiah Hartenstein recorded the first triple-double of his career for the Thunder.
- The Detroit Pistons, currently first in the Eastern Conference, upset the Denver Nuggets 124-121.
- The Boston Celtics defeated the Dallas Mavericks 110-100, preparing to welcome new addition Nikola Vucevic.
Thunder Dominate Magic
The Oklahoma City Thunder’s victory over the Orlando Magic was decisive from the start, with a 39-14 first quarter setting the tone for the remainder of the game. The Thunder ultimately reached a lead of +41, demonstrating their comprehensive control. Isaiah Hartenstein had a standout performance, achieving the first triple-double of his career with 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, according to reports. Chet Holmgren contributed 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 20 points and added 9 assists, extending his streak to 120 consecutive games with at least 20 points.
Pistons Upset Nuggets
In a surprising result, the Detroit Pistons, leading the Eastern Conference, defeated the Denver Nuggets 124-121. Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 29 points and 10 assists, maintaining the lead throughout the game, even reaching a +20 advantage. Despite a late rally led by Nikola Jokic (24 points, 15 rebounds) and Jamal Murray (32 points), the Nuggets ultimately fell short, losing by three points.
Celtics Secure Victory, Lakers Triumph
The Boston Celtics defeated the Dallas Mavericks 110-100 in an East-West matchup, with Jaylen Brown leading the charge with 33 points and 11 rebounds. The Celtics accelerated in the fourth quarter with a 33-24 run. The Los Angeles Lakers also secured a win, defeating the Brooklyn Nets 125-109, fueled by a combined 49 points from LeBron James (25 points) and Luka Doncic (24 points).
Other Notable Results
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Golden State Warriors 113-94, with rookie VJ Edgecombe scoring 25 points. Other victories included the New York Knicks (132-101 over the Washington Wizards), the Milwaukee Bucks (131-115 against the Chicago Bulls), the Utah Jazz (131-122 against the Indiana Pacers), and the Phoenix Suns (130-125 against the Portland Trail Blazers). The Miami Heat suffered a home defeat against the Atlanta Hawks 127-115, despite 18 points from Simone Fontecchio.
Why It Matters
The NBA season is rapidly unfolding, and these results highlight the emerging competitive landscape. The Oklahoma City Thunder’s dominant performance reinforces their status as a top contender, while the Detroit Pistons’ victory signals their strength in the Eastern Conference. The trade of James Harden to the Cavaliers, alongside Darius Garland’s move to the Clippers, adds another layer of intrigue to the season, potentially reshaping the balance of power in both conferences. These early-season games are crucial for teams establishing their identities and positioning themselves for the playoffs, and the results so far suggest a highly competitive and unpredictable season ahead.
