The longest current winning streak in the NBA is no more, as the Boston Celtics dealt the reigning champions, Oklahoma City Thunder, a 119-110 loss to end the latter’s 12-game winning streak on Thursday.
The Celtics’ offense relied once again on Jaylen Brown, who dialed in 14 of his 31 points in the third quarter to seal the win and tie the Boston-OKC season series at one game apiece.
“That was a well-needed win, we needed that. When you get a win on your home floor against the team that has the best record in the league, it feels good,” Brown said postgame.
Jayson Tatum Flirts with Triple-Double as Celtics Stay Second in East
After back-to-back rocky performances, returning forward Jayson Tatum got back on track to edge out last season’s champs, notching a near triple-double of 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists.
Despite being down double figures early, and nearly blowing their lead late in the fourth, the Celtics held on with Brown’s late inside basket to seal the victory.
The game also marked a much healthier showing for the past two NBA champs, as their first meeting did not feature key stars such as Tatum, who was still recovering from his Achilles rupture, and Jalen Williams, who was out with a hamstring injury.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Continues MVP Bid
Even with the loss, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continued to show the league why he’s the reigning MVP, notching 33 points, 8 assists, and 2 steals while shooting 10-for-12 from the field to pace OKC in the loss.
Although the Thunder couldn’t extend what was a 12-game winning streak, the defending champs remain the team to beat come the postseason, sitting at a league-best 57-16 record as the season comes to a close.
The Celtics will try to extend their hot run against the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday, while the Thunder will try to start a new winning streak on the same day against the Chicago Bulls.
