NBA insiders reported that the Oklahoma City Thunder emerged victorious over the Boston Celtics with a score of 118-112 in a highly anticipated matchup between two top contenders for the NBA Finals on Wednesday.
Led by Chet HolmgrenS impressive double-double performance of 23 points and 15 rebounds, along with MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 34 points, the Thunder, who currently lead the Western Conference, have now defeated Boston twice this season and boast an impressive record of 22-1 against Eastern Conference teams.
Despite Jayson Tatum’s strong showing with 33 points for Boston, the Celtics struggled in the latter part of the game as they failed to capitalize on their record-tying 63-point attempts from beyond the arc in a non-overtime game. The Thunder capitalized on this possibility by finishing strong with a 20-14 run to secure their victory as Boston faltered in their three-point shooting.
The game at TD Garden highlighted both teams’ elite qualities such as tough defense from the Thunder and prolific three-point shooting from the Celtics. NBA analysts Tim Bontemps, Zach kram, and Brian Windhorst analyzed OKC’s win, its implications for both teams, and what can be expected from these powerhouse teams during playoffs and beyond.Bontemps emphasized that Oklahoma City should be considered a major threat to Boston’s championship aspirations based on their recent performances against them. Despite being one of the youngest teams in the league under coach Mark Daigneault, OKC has proven its depth and versatility through key players like Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren.
Windhorst pointed out various takeaways from OKC’s win including Holmgren’s ability under pressure and defensive prowess. He also highlighted some offensive challenges faced by OKC which could impact their playoff run if not addressed effectively.
Kram noted how both teams showcased contrasting styles during their matchups with an emphasis on three-point shooting by Boston countered by solid defense from OKC. He also discussed potential strategies for future matchups involving key players like Kristaps Porzingis who could impact outcomes substantially.
Looking ahead to each team’s playoff runs, Bontemps stressed that health would be crucial for Boston while Windhorst analyzed OKC’s defensive strengths versus offensive challenges. Kram predicted smooth sailing for Boston in reaching conference finals but acknowledged tougher competition awaiting OKC in Western Conference playoffs due to its depth.
In terms of long-term outlooks over five years, Bontemps favored Oklahoma City due to its young core players and draft picks compared to uncertainties surrounding financial constraints faced by Boston amid ownership changes. Windhorst echoed similar concerns about financial stability impacting Celtics’ future success despite current profitability levels.
Discussing a potential Finals matchup between Celtics-Thunder elicited excitement among analysts who envisioned an intriguing battle between two well-matched teams boasting different strengths yet aiming for ultimate success on basketball’s biggest stage.
