Oklahoma City Thunder secured their place in the NBA playoffs with 16 games still left in the regular season, following a hard-fought 118-112 victory over defending champions Boston Celtics. The win, powered by a stellar performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, further cemented the Thunder’s status as a top contender for the NBA title.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander once again showcased his brilliance, leading the Thunder with 34 points, five rebounds, and seven assists in 39 minutes. His performance not only fueled Oklahoma City’s triumph over the reigning champions but also bolstered his bid for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.
Following the victory, the Thunder improved to an impressive 54-12 record, placing them 12 games clear at the top of the Western Conference. They join the Cleveland Cavaliers, who currently lead the Eastern Conference with a 55-10 record, as the first two teams to officially book their place in the postseason.
Beating the 18-time champion Celtics was a significant milestone for the Thunder as they chase their first-ever NBA title. Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized the importance of facing a battle-tested team like Boston.
“It’s huge,” he said after the game. “Because [the Celtics] have done what we’re trying to do, the games against them are always going to be heightened. They’re always going to be a little bit more exciting. There’s no better test in the NBA.”
The Thunder’s ability to close out a game against an elite opponent highlights their growth and championship aspirations.
Despite the loss, the Boston Celtics remain in a solid position in the Eastern Conference with a 49-17 record, sitting behind the Cavaliers. However, Jayson Tatum, who led Boston with 33 points in 41 minutes, acknowledged that his team must improve if they hope to defend their championship.
“Everybody has to play a little bit better,” Tatum said postgame. “Better at the margins, the little things. You’re playing against contending teams that are not really going to beat themselves.
“And the little things, not fouling jump shooters at the end of the clock, live ball turnovers, things like that, [we] just got to be a little bit better on.”
With the playoffs secured, Oklahoma City will now focus on maintaining their top spot in the Western Conference and fine-tuning their game ahead of the postseason. Led by Gilgeous-Alexander and a young, talented roster, the Thunder are proving to be serious championship contenders.
As the regular season winds down, all eyes will be on whether they can carry this momentum into the playoffs and make a deep run toward their first NBA championship.
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