Shai Gilgeous-Alexander called Oklahoma City’s latest victory a statement performance after leading the Thunder to a 118-112 win over the Boston Celtics at TD Garden.
“It’s huge. Because they’ve done what we’re trying to do, the games are always going to be heightened,” Gilgeous-Alexander said postgame, via ClutchPoints. “You play for late June, and they’re the team that won in late June. So, playing against them is always fun and is always a really big challenge.”
Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 34 points, seven assists, and five rebounds as the Thunder secured a playoff spot with their 17th win in 18 games. Oklahoma City improved to 54-12, holding onto the best record in the Western Conference.
Chet Holmgren added 23 points and 15 rebounds, helping the Thunder complete a season sweep of the defending NBA champions. Oklahoma City used an 8-0 run in the fourth quarter to take control, highlighted by a clutch three-pointer from Kenrich Williams and key plays from Gilgeous-Alexander.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 33 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, but his six turnovers proved costly. Boston, now 47-19, attempted a franchise-record 63 three-pointers, making 20.
Derrick White contributed 22 points, while Al Horford recorded 18 points and 10 rebounds. Jaylen Brown struggled, finishing with 10 points on 5-of-15 shooting and missing all five of his three-point attempts before fouling out.
Boston erased a 12-point deficit in the third quarter, tying the game at 88 heading into the fourth. However, Oklahoma City capitalized on the Celtics’ 13 turnovers, turning them into 17 points.
Holmgren’s impact on the glass helped the Thunder hold a 44-41 rebounding edge, while Luguentz Dort added 13 points. Isaiah Hartenstein and Isaiah Joe combined for 22 points off the bench.
The Thunder will look to extend their dominance as they continue their road trip. Boston, which had won five straight before the loss, will aim to bounce back as it competes for the top seed in the Eastern Conference.
