The Celtics saw their six-game winning streak snapped on Tuesday night, falling on the road to the Thunder 127-123.
Boston led by four points at halftime but quickly fell behind by double digits in the third quarter after being outscored 40-25 behind a sensational night from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who scored 16 of his game-high 36 points in the frame.
The hosts pushed up their lead to as many as 18 points with a 14-4 run to start the fourth quarter before a late push by Boston’s starters trimmed that lead down to two in the closing minutes of the game with a 27-11 run. Ultimately, a couple of big baskets from Jaylen Williams closed the door on Boston, dropping the Celtics to 26-7 on the year.
Josh Giddey also chipped in with 23 points along with four 3s to help the Thunder extend their winning streak to five games. Kristaps Porzingis led the visitors with 34 points while Jayson Tatum posted a double-double with 30 points and 13 rebounds as Boston saw their four-game road-winning steak also snapped.
The Celtics now return home to the TD Garden for Friday’s game against the Jazz, the start of a brutal five games in seven nights stretch in three different cities.
Kristaps Porzingis catches fire early: The Thunder have one of the best defenses in the NBA this season but they had no answer for Boston’s center like most other opponents. Porzingis led all scorers with 18 points in the first half and did so with tremendous efficiency, knocking down seven of his nine shots before intermission. Whether it was shooting over smaller players at the free throw line or popping after setting screens, the quality looks were numerous for the big man as the Celtics fought back after a slow start. The stellar play for Porzingis continued on the defensive end as well as he tallied two blocks including some impressive rim protection on drives to counter the Thunder’s aggressive takes to the rim. Porzingis also piled up three offensive rebounds that helped lead to seven second chance points in the first half. Porzingis finished with 34 points on 12-of-18 shooting, putting together his best offensive performance as a Celtic.
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