Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault drew a comparison between the Celtics’ performance this season and the sleek efficiency of a Ferrari.
In their latest triumph over the Thunder, the Celtics secured yet another advantage as the playoffs loom closer. Kristaps Porzingis led the charge with an impressive stat line of 27 points, 12 rebounds, and five blocks, propelling the Celtics to a commanding 135-100 victory on Wednesday night. This win not only clinched the best record in the NBA for Boston but also guaranteed them home-court advantage throughout the playoffs.
Jayson Tatum contributed 24 points, while Jaylen Brown added 23 points and seven rebounds for the Celtics, who extended their home winning streak to 11 games and improved their season record to an impressive 60-16.
Reflecting on the achievement, Porzingis expressed a sense of deservingness and emphasized the importance of staying focused on their ultimate goals. Brown echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the team’s steady progression as the regular season winds down.
Head coach Joe Mazzulla acknowledged the significance of reaching such a milestone but urged his team to remain grounded and not dwell on it too much, emphasizing the need to maintain focus on the journey ahead.
Despite being questionable due to a sprained left hand, Brown played through discomfort and contributed to the team’s success. The Celtics only trailed for a mere 62 seconds throughout the game.
Oklahoma City, missing key players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, struggled to keep up with the Celtics’ dominance. Porzingis showcased his versatility as a rim protector and floor spacer, making a significant impact on both ends of the floor.
The Celtics’ оffеnꜱιυе prowess was evident, with Brown’s impressive no-look pass to Porzingis highlighting their fluidity and teamwork. With a halftime lead of 61-47, the Celtics demonstrated their ability to consistently perform at a high level, tying the franchise record for scoring 60 or more points in the opening half for the 50th time this season.
