In their initial encounter of the season, the Boston Celtics, possibly the NBA’s top team, faced strong competition from the youthful and thrilling Oklahoma City Thunder, revealing a narrow gap between the two. Surprisingly, on Tuesday night, the Thunder outperformed the Celtics, terminating Boston’s six-game winning streak with a 127-123 triumph and extending their own winning streak to five games.
The game on Tuesday had the intensity of a playoff match, featuring a back-and-forth in the first half with Boston leading by three at halftime. However, the Thunder dominated the third quarter, outscoring the Celtics 40-25, ultimately establishing an 18-point lead early in the fourth quarter.
Despite a resilient effort from the Celtics, who closed the game with a 27-11 run, the Thunder secured the victory. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander exhibited an MVP-like performance, leading the Thunder with 36 points and showcasing exceptional skills throughout the game. Even when he cooled off in the fourth quarter, other Thunder players stepped up, with Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, and Josh Giddey making crucial contributions.
The Celtics struggled to contain Gilgeous-Alexander, who effortlessly navigated Boston’s defense, finishing with 36 points, seven assists, and six rebounds. Although Kristaps Porzinigis provided significant support for Boston with 34 points, the team couldn’t overcome the Thunder’s offensive prowess.
The Thunder’s impressive offensive display, shooting 52.7 percent overall and 45 percent from beyond the arc, highlighted their superiority on Tuesday night. Despite the Celtics’ defensive efforts, the Thunder, as the second-youngest team in the NBA, proved to be a formidable opponent.
While the Celtics had been enjoying a successful win streak, the Thunder’s victory showcased their legitimacy as a rising force in the league. The Celtics, acknowledging the Thunder’s caliber, will have another chance to face them on April 3 in Boston, setting the stage for potential future matchups, perhaps even in the NBA Finals later this summer.