By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Extending a winning streak to 15 games, the Oklahoma City Thunder prevailed, 105-92, against the Boston Celtics in Paycom Center on Sunday.
After four consecutive wins, the defending NBA champions fell to 26-10 in the 2024-25 Regular Season. Contributing to a brilliant display amounting to 65 points in the first half, Kristaps Porzingis joined the downward trend after the break and was dealing with foul trouble. From making seven of his first ten shots, he settled at 7/18 in a 19-point display. Lasting 29 minutes in the opener of the NBA Sundays schedule, the Latvian big added nine rebounds, one steal, and one assist.
Coming back from a 13-point deficit, the team coached by Mark Daigneault extended the winning streak and improved to 30-5 after a five-game homestand. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was relentless in pacing his side with a game-high 33 points alongside 11 rebounds, six assists, three steals, and two blocks.
European action for the hosts was limited to German Isaiah Hartenstein recording eight points, ten rebounds, three blocks, two steals, and one assist over 35 minutes since French Ousmane Dieng did not play, and Belgian Ajay Mitchell (right great toe sprain) and Serbian Nikola Topic (left knee surgery) were sidelined. Portuguese Neemias Queta stayed on the bench for the C’s.
Next challenges
The red-hot Thunder are starting a four-game road trip. On Wednesday, they visit the Cleveland Cavaliers in a clash of conference leaders.
The Celtics are staying on the road. On Tuesday, they face the Denver Nuggets and Serbian superstar Nikola Jokic in Ball Arena.