Thunder trip Celtics in clash of title contenders

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren do damage in the final stretch as the Thunder complete a season series sweep of the defending champion Celtics

In a potential NBA Finals preview, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tossed in 34 points and Chet Holmgren added 23 points and 15 rebounds to lead the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder over the Boston Celtics, 118-112, on Wednesday night, March 12 (Thursday, March 13, Manila time).

Oklahoma City, which outscored Boston, 30-24, in the fourth quarter, has won eight of its last nine games. The victory ended Boston’s five-game winning streak.

The game was tied at 98 with 8:12 to play, but the Thunder took control by scoring 15 of the next 19 points.

Jayson Tatum led Boston with 33 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists. The Celtics received 22 points and 8 rebounds from Derrick White, while Al Horford added 18 points and 10 rebounds. White and Horford each made six three-pointers.

Boston’s Jaylen Brown was held to 10 points and fouled out with 3:36 to play. Brown was 5-of-15 from the field and missed each of his five three-point attempts. He and White fouled out in the fourth quarter.

Kristaps Porzingis missed his seventh straight game with a viral illness. He was listed as questionable on Boston’s injury report.

Oklahoma City forward Jalen Williams didn’t make the trip to Boston after he suffered a hip strain during Monday’s 140-127 loss to Denver. Williams is averaging 21.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game this season. The Thunder also played without Alex Caruso (illness).

Boston was 20-of-63 from three-point territory (31.7%). Oklahoma City entered the game leading the league in opponents’ 3-point percentage (33.6%).

Oklahoma City (25-of-35) hit 15 more free throws than Boston (10-of-12).

The game was tight until the Thunder pulled away late. Oklahoma City led 33-30 after one quarter and 63-60 at halftime. It was tied at 88 after three quarters.

Oklahoma City swept the season series after prevailing 105-92 at home on January 5.

The loss gave Boston a 5-2 homestand. – Rappler.com