The Oklahoma City Thunder once again showed they belong among the NBA’s elite, securing a hard-fought 118-112 victory over the Boston Celtics on Wednesday. The defending champions were determined to make a statement, but Oklahoma City took control in the fourth quarter with an 8-0 run, pulling away in a battle between two powerhouse teams.
Despite their youth, the Thunder displayed the poise and toughness needed for a championship run. However, head coach Mark Daigneault wasn’t ready to look too far ahead.
“It’s March, not June,” he cautioned.
A Statement Win for OKC
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the frontrunner for MVP, played a key role in the victory, finishing with 34 points, seven assists, and five rebounds. He acknowledged the importance of beating the reigning champions.
“Because they’ve done what we’re trying to do, the games against them are always a little more heightened and exciting,” he said. “They’ve achieved what we’re aiming for, so playing against them is a great test—and so far, we’ve passed both.”
The Thunder were without All-Star Jalen Williams due to a hip strain, but rookie Chet Holmgren stepped up in a big way. Holmgren, who previously missed three months with an injury, dominated inside with 23 points, 15 rebounds, and strong rim protection. His presence made things even more difficult for a Boston squad missing big man Kristaps Porzingis.
Celtics Struggle Against OKC’s Physicality
Boston also dealt with a setback as Jaylen Brown, playing through a lingering knee issue, struggled with just 10 points on 15 attempts before fouling out. However, he refused to use his injury as an excuse and instead credited Oklahoma City’s defense, particularly Cason Wallace.
“Tougher team sets the rules,” Brown admitted. “I didn’t meet their level of physicality.”
That physicality was a major issue for the Celtics. They struggled early, failing to make a two-point shot in the first quarter as 20 of their 22 attempts came from beyond the arc. By halftime, they had attempted a record 35 three-pointers, finishing the game 20-of-63 (32%) from deep. Boston simply couldn’t find good looks, as Wallace and Lu Dort locked down the perimeter while Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein controlled the paint.
If these teams meet again in the Finals, Boston may have a real problem. Few teams can challenge the Celtics physically, but Oklahoma City has now outplayed them in the fourth quarter of both matchups this season.
Boston Remains Confident in Their Title Defense
Despite the loss, Boston remains focused on defending its title. Last season, they won the championship even with Porzingis missing time, but his return will be crucial for another deep playoff run.
“We’ll feel a lot better when we have everybody,” said Jayson Tatum, who led Boston with 33 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists. “I’m looking forward to having our full team at full strength for this last stretch.”
For now, the Celtics remain the reigning champions until another team knocks them off. The Thunder, however, continue to prove they are a legitimate threat.
When asked what separated Boston from the rest of the league last season, Gilgeous-Alexander’s response could just as easily apply to his own team:
“They don’t flinch or budge. They play with confidence, know their goals, and execute at a high level. That’s what makes them great.”
Tatum echoed similar sentiments about Oklahoma City.
“They play the right way,” he said. “They know what they want to do on both ends. This was high-level basketball.”
Are the Thunder Ready to Take the Next Step?
The biggest question for Oklahoma City remains: Can they go all the way?
Last season, they fell short in the second round against the Dallas Mavericks. This year, however, they’ve already clinched a playoff spot with a league-best 54-12 record, proving they’ve taken a step forward.
“We’re better than last year,” Gilgeous-Alexander said confidently.
Holmgren agreed, crediting the team’s overall improvement.
“We added a couple of new guys who made our team better, but everyone that returned worked hard to improve.”
With each win, the Thunder are showing they have what it takes to compete for a championship. If they keep playing at this level, they may not just be a tough opponent for the Celtics—they may be the team that takes their title.
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