Nikola Vucevic was dominating for the Orlando Magic, but Oklahoma City Thunder guard George Hill matched the center on the score sheet step for step in the third quarter.
Hill scored 13 points in just under eight minutes to help the Thunder keep up with the Magic. He went 5-for-7 from the field — one of his misses came at the shot clock buzzer on a broken possession — and hit two 3s and an and-one.
When he was subbed out with 4:12 to go, the Thunder trailed 72-69.
Vucevic had 10 points for the Magic during the third quarter, helping them briefly back the lead after the Thunder led by one at halftime. He was up to 26 points on the day.
Hill had 18 points on 7-for-11 voting and five assists when he came out in the third quarter.
Over the guard’s first three games for the Thunder this season, he averaged 14.3 points on 55.2% shooting on 9.7 attempts from the field and 46.2% from 3 on 4.3 attempts.
Q3 🔥 from @George_Hill3
Facilitated by @BazleyDarius pic.twitter.com/48gZ9zBLB9
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) January 3, 2021
The Thunder, 1-3 on the season, are looking to end their three-game losing streak. To do so they’ll have to take down the 4-1 Magic, who defeated Oklahoma City on Tuesday.
Oklahoma City leads 84-82 after three quarters.
The game can be watched at FOX Sports Oklahoma or on League Pass for those outside the area.