Following an impassioned 22-point victory over the rival Lakers a night earlier, there was always the potential for Saturday night to be a trap game for the Celtics. However, Boston got off to a strong start against the Thunder and never looked back — with Jayson Tatum and Dennis Schroder leading the way.
Boston was in control for most of the game and got out to a double-digit lead midway through the second quarter. The Celtics managed to extend the lead to 13 at the half and led by as many as 20 points in the third quarter. Oklahoma City showed some resilience going on a 13-2 run at one point.
Although Boston had a 16-point advantage with about six minutes remaining in the game, the Thunder made them sweat in the final minutes — cutting the lead all the way down to four with 10 seconds left, but it was too late for Oklahoma City to complete the comeback as Boston held on for the six-point win.
Both Tatum and Schroder impressed, scoring 33 and 29 points, respectively. Al Horford chipped in with 10 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists. Grant Williams and Enes Kanter had impactful contributions as well with Williams scoring 14 points and Kanter 10. Kanter also collected 10 rebounds.
(Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)