Clutch factor will decide Orlando Magic's playoff fate

The Orlando Magic showed grit and resolve to push the Oklahoma City Thunder. But they were missing that extra element the defending champion Thunder clearly have.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made all the clutch plays to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder past the Orlando Magic. | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn ImagesThe difference between winning and losing in the Playoffs is often quite small.

It is a made shot after a big stop. It is a run at the right moment with too little time to answer. It is the calm and composure to close things out. It is, frankly, the ability to get your best player the ball in that most opportune moment. And having the role players step up exactly when they are needed.

The…