Celtics Snap Thunder’s Win Streak in Rematch of NBA Champions

BOSTON (AP) — Jaylen Brown scored 14 of his 31 points in a pivotal third quarter as the Boston Celtics rallied to defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder 119-109 on Wednesday night, ending the defending champions’ 12-game winning streak. The victory marked a split in the two regular-season matchups between the past two NBA champions.

Key Performances

Jayson Tatum contributed 19 points and 12 rebounds, along with seven assists, helping Boston secure the win. Brown added eight rebounds and eight assists to his 31-point performance. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 33 points and eight assists.

Game Summary

The Celtics outscored the Thunder 19-2 in second-chance points and shot 18 of 41 from the three-point line. Lu Dort added 14 points for Oklahoma City. Jalen Williams finished with seven points in his second game back after a 16-game absence due to a hamstring injury.

Previous Matchup

The Thunder had previously won the first meeting between the teams two weeks ago in Oklahoma City by a two-point margin. Still, that game was played with key players missing from both sides.

Elite Teams Clash

Wednesday’s rematch featured a rare late-season pairing of elite NBA teams still refining their strategies before the playoffs. The Thunder entered the game with the NBA’s best record, while the Celtics boasted the East’s second-best mark.

Game Statistics

• Oklahoma City Thunder: 109 points, 48% field goal percentage (38-80), 32% three-point percentage (12-37), 81% free throw percentage (21-26), 35 rebounds, 17 assists, 7 steals, 3 blocks, 7 turnovers.
• Boston Celtics: 119 points, 47% field goal percentage (38-81), 44% three-point percentage (18-41), 86% free throw percentage (25-29), 43 rebounds, 25 assists, 5 steals, 4 blocks, 13 turnovers.

Key Players Stats

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC): 33 points, 8 assists
• Jaylen Brown (BOS): 31 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists
• Jayson Tatum (BOS): 19 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists
• Lu Dort (OKC): 14 points

Looking Ahead

Both the Thunder and the Celtics will continue to fine-tune their strategies as they approach the playoffs, with both teams aiming for championship contention.