BOSTON – The Oklahoma City Thunder aim to extend their winning streak to 13 games when they visit the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night. The matchup features two of the NBA’s elite teams, both boasting potent offenses and a commitment to strong defense.
Oklahoma City, the reigning NBA champions, established a league-record 16-game winning streak earlier this season and currently holds the best record in the league at 57-15. Their success is built on a team-first approach, as emphasized by head coach Mark Daigneault. “We don’t focus on the winning streak, we focus on possessions,” Daigneault said following Monday night’s 123-103 road victory over Philadelphia. “We don’t even focus on the game, we focus on the possessions and trying to create the right habits and win the little battles that exist within a possession and let those accumulate throughout the game. Sometimes you look up and you win the game, sometimes you look up and you’re winning by 20 points and sometimes you look up and you have a winning streak.”
The Thunder’s disciplined approach, coupled with the stellar play of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, has propelled them to the top of the NBA standings. Gilgeous-Alexander, averaging 31.5 points per game – the second-highest total in the league – has been a consistent force for Oklahoma City. He has scored at least 20 points in 64 consecutive road games, surpassing Wilt Chamberlain’s NBA record of 58 consecutive 20-point road games set between 1961 and 1963. Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring prowess is a key component of the Thunder’s offensive attack.
The Celtics (47-24) saw their own four-game winning streak snapped with a 102-92 home loss to Minnesota on Sunday night. Jayson Tatum led Boston with 16 points and 11 rebounds in the defeat, but shot just 6-of-16 from the field. Tatum, still working his way back to full strength following Achilles tendon surgery last May, is currently shooting 38.8% from the field and 29.3% from three-point range in his eight games since returning to the lineup.
Tatum acknowledged the challenges of regaining his form. “I wouldn’t say it’s a normal slump, because it’s the first time I’ve ever gone through something like this,” Tatum said. “It’s just been a long time. It was a long time before I could even shoot a basketball, before I could even walk. So I’m just trying to shake off the rust game by game. I uncover great stretches and moments in each game, and, you understand, I’m just trying to string more of them together.” The six-time All-Star and four-time First Team All-NBA selection is averaging 19.1 points and 8.9 rebounds in the shortened season so far.
Boston’s struggles on Sunday highlighted the importance of Tatum regaining his peak form for the Celtics to contend for a championship. He stated, “I’m taking it day by day. I probably had the worst injury you can have. I came back in 10 months and I’m getting better. I perceive better each game. I wanted to be perfect and be the All-NBA First Team Jayson, but it’s going to capture time. I didn’t rush the rehab process, so I can’t rush this. It’ll all come together.”
Oklahoma City received a boost with the return of guard Jalen Williams to the lineup for Monday’s game against Philadelphia. Williams contributed 18 points, six assists, and four rebounds in 20 minutes off the bench. He had been sidelined since February 11 with a right hamstring strain, missing 16 games. A previous groin strain and offseason wrist surgery have limited Williams to just 27 games this season. He expressed gratitude for the supportive environment within the team, saying, “I suppose if I was on another team I’d be more frustrated, but I’m surrounded by great energy. So I think that’s one of the things that keeps me motivated.”
This will be the second meeting between the Thunder and the Celtics this season. Oklahoma City secured a narrow 104-102 victory at home on March 12, thanks to two free throws from Chet Holmgren with 0.9 seconds remaining. In that contest, Gilgeous-Alexander scored 35 points, extending his streak of consecutive games with at least 20 points to 127 – a streak that now stands at 132 games.
The game promises to be a compelling matchup between two of the league’s top teams, with both sides eager to showcase their talent and solidify their positions in the playoff picture. The Celtics will look to bounce back from their recent loss, while the Thunder aim to continue their impressive run of form.
The game is scheduled for Wednesday, March 25th. Tip-off is at 7:30 PM EST (11:30 PM UTC). The game will be played at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.
Key Takeaways:
- The Oklahoma City Thunder are riding a 12-game winning streak and boast the best record in the NBA.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to lead the Thunder, extending his streak of 20+ point games to 132.
- Jayson Tatum is working his way back to full strength after Achilles tendon surgery, but is currently shooting below his career averages.
- Jalen Williams returned to the Thunder lineup on Monday, providing a valuable boost off the bench.
The next confirmed checkpoint for both teams is their respective games on Friday, March 28th. The Thunder will host the Cleveland Cavaliers, while the Celtics will travel to face the New Orleans Pelicans.
What are your predictions for this matchup? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
