Thunder storm back for NBA win over Magic

Kevin Durant scored 38 points and Russell Westbrook added 29 on Thursday as Oklahoma City erased a double-digit fourth-quarter deficit en route to a 105-102 NBA victory over Orlando.

Durant scored 18 points in the fourth period, helping his team overcome the 33 points and nine rebounds of Orlando star Dwight Howard.

Jameer Nelson added 15 points with nine assists for Orlando, but the Magic could not hold off the Thunder’s furious late surge.

Orlando led 81-70 going into the final period, but with Howard on the bench early in the fourth Oklahoma City began to turn the tide.

Durant capped an 11-2 scoring run with two free throws and a three-pointer as the Thunder took a 90-89 lead with less than four minutes remaining.

The Thunder did not trail again, although Daequan Cook left the door open for the Magic when he missed a pair of free throws with three seconds to play.

Orlando could not take advantage, and Jason Richardson was off-target with a potential game-tying three-pointer as time expired.

The Thunder claimed a seventh straight victory, improving to 29-7.

Elsewhere, Phoenix downed Minnesota 104-95, Los Angeles Clippers held off Sacramento 108-100 and Miami were far too strong for Portland 107-93.

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!