Thunder Outlast Celtics in Thrilling NBA Finals Preview

BOSTON, Mass. — The Oklahoma City Thunder secured a formidable victory against the Boston Celtics in what many are calling a potential NBA Finals preview on Wednesday night. In a game filled with intensity and high skill, the Thunder triumphed 110-102 at TD Garden, showcasing their depth even in the absence of star Jalen Williams.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder’s standout guard, stole the spotlight by scoring a game-high 34 points, displaying an array of offensive maneuvers that left Celtics defenders struggling. Despite being hounded by Boston’s robust defensive schemes, Gilgeous-Alexander consistently found ways to score, earning praise from his opponents. ‘That boy good,’ said Celtics forward Jaylen Brown, who had his difficulties containing the elusive guard. ‘He’s shifty, crafty around the basket… Definitely a guy that you watch, you study to be better.’

The game featured ten lead changes and thrilling moments, reminiscent of postseason battles. Boston, despite being favored, struggled from beyond the arc, particularly in the second half, making only five of their 27 attempts. This marked a glaring contrast to their firing of 36 three-pointers in the first half, where they made 15. ‘Striking it rich from range turned into fool’s gold,’ remarked Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla, capturing the night’s shooting woes for his team.

Celtics star Jayson Tatum also had an impressive performance, contributing 33 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists. However, his teammate Brown’s off night—where he scored just ten points—significantly impacted Boston’s strategy. ‘They punished us repeatedly from deep,’ Mazzulla noted, reflecting on Boston’s defensive lapses against the Thunder.

Chet Holmgren, starting at center for OKC, rose to the occasion with 23 points and 15 rebounds, posing continual challenges for the Celtics’ defense. Meanwhile, Lu Dort made his mark with essential contributions, stepping up in Williams’s absence and proving critical in the first half.

Boston’s struggles might have heightened their competitive intensity as they approach the playoffs, but they will need to be wary of the Thunder’s clear ability to capitalize on mistakes. The Celtics gave up over 30 free throws—an area where they consistently fell short compared to the Thunder’s aggressiveness. ‘We’re in March, not June, so we’re focused on March,’ Thunder coach Mark Daigneault remarked, emphasizing the team’s commitment to maintaining their momentum through the regular season.

The loss doesn’t immediately place the Celtics in a vulnerable position regarding their championship aspirations. Despite the setback, both teams demonstrated the resilience and talent expected of championship contenders. The Celtics entered the game with 15 wins out of their last 18. Yet, this encounter served as a reality check, providing insights into their vulnerabilities.

As fans speculate if these two teams will meet again later this year in the Finals, the excitement surrounding possible rematches grows. Tatum stated post-game, ‘We’re just kind of fine-tuning up and getting ready for the fun part of all of this,’ indicating that Boston plans to adjust and improve as the playoff picture looms.