The Oklahoma City Thunder secured their status as favorites for the NBA championship with a dominant 118-112 victory against the reigning NBA champions, Boston Celtics, in what some have dubbed a sneak preview of potential Finals action. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the standout star, notching an impressive 34 points which came alongside five rebounds and seven assists, solidifying his candidacy for the MVP award. The Oklahoma City Thunder, the youngest team in the league, took control in the fourth quarter, showcasing maturity and skill with Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren leading the charge. Holmgren’s performance of 23 points and 15 rebounds further cemented his reputation as a rising star. Despite facing a more seasoned Boston lineup, the Thunder’s defense and resilience, especially against a flurry of 63 three-point attempts from the Celtics, proved to be their foundation for success. The win propels the Western Conference leaders to a 54-12 record for the season, ensuring their spot in the upcoming playoffs. For Boston, Jayson Tatum and Derrick White stood out with 33 and 22 points, respectively. Despite the thrilling nature of the matchup, the Thunder missed Jaylin Williams, with seven Thunder players still managing to score in double figures. Oklahoma City aims for their first NBA title since 1979, when they were known as the Seattle SuperSonics.

Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2025/3/13/thunder-beat-celtics-to-clinch-nba-playoff-spot?traffic_source=rss