Still without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or Jalen Williams, the Thunder nevertheless made a successful start to the match, relying on energy and defense. But as the 3-point shots did not fall in, they gave ground against the 11-0 Celtics at the end of the first quarter (30-23). Oklahoma City's difficulties were confirmed in the second quarter, the fault of a very good Kristaps Porzingis. The Latvian hampers defense and hurts in attack (61-47).
By stealing balls, Josh Giddey and his teammates manage to come back and be a good distance from the Celtics. Al Horford, Sam Hauser and Jayson Tatum are responsible for pushing them back with some award-winning shots. But nothing is done twelve minutes from the end (93-83). Jaylen Brown, with two defensive actions and three baskets, including a 3-pointer, already made the difference from the first minutes of the last quarter.
The baskets follow one another, the gap grows and everything becomes easy for Boston, in a fourth quarter which is a correction, won 42-17. The Celtics finally won 135-100, against an eye-catching but too weak team, and thus won a third victory in a row, the 60th of their season.
What you must remember
– Another big match from Kristaps Porzingis. Like against the Pelicans recently, the interior has been an impenetrable goaltender for the Thunder. Chet Holmgren did not refuse the duel, but the Latvian was too strong with 27 points, 12 rebounds, 5 blocks and 4 assists.
– The Thunder did what they could. Like in Philadelphia, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams did not play. Obviously, without the team's two best scorers, things are more complicated. However, in terms of energy, Mike Daigneault's players held up well. He lacked the skill at 3-points (5/24) to really become threatening but they weren't crushed either. Finally, until the last act which turned into a demonstration.
– The Celtics, the only team to be in their sixties. This 60th victory is important for Boston. Already for the symbol, because it is always a strong number and it is Boston's 14th season with at least 60 successes. Additionally, no other team will be able to reach that mark this season, so the Celtics are certain to have home-court advantage for the entirety of the playoffs.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
