The Oklahoma City Thunder, with out Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Aleksej Pokusevski, and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, confronted off with the primary staff within the Eastern Conference – the Boston Celtics – on Tuesday evening. Being short-handed wasn’t an issue, nevertheless, as seven Thunder gamers posted double-digit scoring numbers to oust the Celtics, 150-117.
Josh Giddey led the best way with 25 factors, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 0 turnovers. Tre Mann, Isaiah Joe, Luguentz Dort, and Jalen Williams every scored over 20 factors.
Despite not having Gilgeous-Alexander accessible, the Thunder began off the primary body on the suitable foot, matching the Celtics’ bucket-for-bucket, forcing a 13-13 tie halfway by way of the quarter. They would proceed on a 16-4 run that featured some sizzling capturing and defensive playmaking from the Thunder’s guard rotation and Oklahoma City would lead 29-20 with a couple of minutes remaining.
But Boston’s Malcolm Brogdon would reply with a 3-pointer, igniting a 7-0 run for Boston to chop the result in two. Mann shortly answered with a step-back 3-pointer of his personal to attempt to protect the Thunder’s lead, however Jayson Tatum would take over the Celtics’ offense and assist his staff into the lead. A well timed lower by Darius Bazley would lead to a thunderous dunk to present Oklahoma City a 34-33 lead heading into the second quarter.
Wiggins, in simply his seventh begin of the season, led the best way for Oklahoma City, scoring eight factors on 4 pictures whereas Giddey and Dort mixed for 13 factors and two steals earlier than taking a seat.
Joe got here out firing within the second body, scoring a fast six factors, spearheading Oklahoma City’s offensive assault and kicking off an 11-2 run to set the tone for the remainder of the quarter. That vitality would carry the Thunder by way of the remainder of the body as Dort, Mann, and Kenrich Williams have been all capable of finding a strategy to rating earlier than a straightforward Jalen Williams layup would enhance their result in 15 factors with only a few minutes left.
Joe wasn’t completed, although. Late within the quarter, Joe would drill two extra deep 3-pointers whereas Jalen Williams would drill a mid-range jumper to present Oklahoma City a 22-point lead with simply over a minute remaining. The Thunder would head into halftime with a 74-54 cushion over Boston.
Oklahoma City’s momentum confirmed no indicators of slowing all the way down to get issues began within the third quarter, shortly scoring 16 factors to earn a 90-67 lead because it appeared Boston had no real interest in defending the rim. They would ultimately lengthen their lead, giving them a 122-91 lead over the Celtics heading into the ultimate body. The Celtics couldn’t appear to cease Josh Giddey who poured in 15 factors, together with three 3-pointers, within the quarter to present him 25 factors on the evening.
The fourth quarter began off with a number of Thunder gamers making spotlight performs. Williams kicked issues off along with his second monstrous dunk of the evening after a seam opened up and Joe blew by Blake Griffin to detonate throughout Payton Pritchard, incomes him an and-1 alternative. He would miss the free throw however get his personal putback.
Mann additionally continued his sizzling capturing streak, nailing a contested 3-pointer off the glass to assist the Thunder to their 131st level of the sport. Even Jaylin Williams, who hasn’t obtained a lot enjoying time this season, knocked down a triple.
And mid-way by way of the fourth quarter, the Thunder discovered themselves up 137-105. It was all downhill from there because the Thunder’s large lead turned insurmountable. They would shut out the sport after notching the 150-point mark to take down the perfect staff within the Eastern Conference.
The Oklahoma City Thunder could have little alternative for relaxation as they’ll fly to Orlando to face the Magic within the Amway Center at 6:00 p.m. CST on Wednesday evening.
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