Thunder Clinch Playoff Spot with Victory Over Celtics

BOSTON – In a pivotal matchup, the Oklahoma City Thunder secured their place in the NBA playoffs by defeating the defending champion Boston Celtics 118-112 on Wednesday night. While reaching the playoffs is a significant accomplishment, the Thunder’s aspirations extend beyond mere qualification; their ultimate objective is to capture the franchise’s first NBA championship.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Leads the Charge

The standout performance of Thunder guard and NBA MVP frontrunner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 34 points along with 5 rebounds and 7 assists, helped highlight the significance of this win. “It’s huge,” said Gilgeous-Alexander. “Because [the Celtics have] done it, because they’ve done what we’re trying to do, the games against them are always going to be heightened.” He emphasized that facing a championship team presents a crucial opportunity for the Thunder to measure their progress.

Completing the Season Series Sweep

This victory marked a sweep of the two-game series against the Celtics, delivering a powerful message about Oklahoma City’s intentions moving forward. The Thunder previously defeated Boston in January, even though star forward Chet Holmgren was sidelined with an injury at the time.

Impact of Player Absences

In this latest matchup, Oklahoma City was without All-Star Jalen Williams due to a hip strain, but Holmgren stepped up impressively, contributing 23 points and 15 rebounds. Coach Mark Daigneault noted that his team’s maturity and discipline were key in maintaining their game plan despite the absences.

Celtics’ Offensive Struggles

On the other side, the Celtics, playing without Kristaps Porzingis due to illness, struggled with their shooting. They showcased a strong performance inside the arc, hitting 15 of 19 shots in the second half but faltered from beyond the three-point line, attempting 63 shots, tied for the third most in NBA history.

Boston coach Joe Mazzulla remarked, “I thought we got amazing looks,” acknowledging the team’s difficulties in converting their open shots, particularly in the second half where they finished 4-for-20 on catch-and-shoot attempts.

Looking Ahead

Despite the victory, Gilgeous-Alexander cautioned that the Thunder still have room for improvement as they pursue their season goals. Jayson Tatum of the Celtics echoed this sentiment, stating, “Everybody has to play a little bit better” to edge closer to consistently competing with top teams. He stressed the importance of paying attention to the finer details to improve their gameplay.

Conclusion

The Thunder’s win over the Celtics serves not only as a testament to their current capabilities but also as a significant confidence booster as they navigate towards the postseason. With the playoffs approaching, both teams will be looking to sharpen their performances, fortifying their quests for a successful run this season.