Thunder Hold Celtics to Worst Half of Season for Big Triumph
The Oklahoma City Thunder (30-5) rallied past the Boston Celtics (26-10) in a battle of heavyweights to notch their 15th straight win, 105-92.
Trailing 65-55 at halftime, the Thunder turned up their league-best defense in the second half, holding the Celtics to just 27 points—the worst half of any team this 2024–25 NBA Season. OKC particularly shut the Cs down in the fourth, limiting them to 12 measly points as they cruised to the win.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continued his MVP-type season with 33 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists against one of the league’s top teams. Aaron Wiggins chipped in 15 off the bench, while Lu Dort had 14 points and 6 boards. Jayson Tatum had 26 pints and 10 boards for the Celtics but was just 7-for-17 from the field. Jaylen Brown added 21.
Up next:
- Thunder vs. Cleveland Cavaliers on January 9
- Celtics vs. Denver Nuggets on January 8
Rockets Outlast Lakers Behind Jalen Green, Amen Thompson
Jalen Green scattered 18 of his game-high 33 points in the first quarter as the Houston Rockets (23-12) jumped all over the Los Angeles Lakers (20-15) before holding on in the fourth quarter for the 119-115 triumph at Toyota Center.
Green also had 6 boards and 4 dimes, while Amen Thompson added 23 points and 16 boards. Fred VanVleet and Alperen Sengun chipped in 15 and 14, respectively. Anthony Davis had 30 points 13 rebounds, and 5 blocks for the Lakers, whose second-half comeback just fell short. LeBron James added 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 9 assists.
Up next:
- Rockets vs. Washington Wizards on January 8
- Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks on January 8
Kings Rout Warriors for Fourth Straight Win
Mike Brown’s unceremonious exit seems to be working wonders for the Sacramento Kings (17-19), who have now won four straight after their 129-99 rout of the Golden State Warriors (18-17) at Chase Center.
Malik Monk’s 26 points and 12 assists led a balanced attack for the Kings, who raced out to a 75-51 lead at halftime and were never threatened after. Domantas Sabonis scattered 22 points and 13 boards, while Devin Carter chipped in 13 off the bench. Steph Curry led the Warriors with 26 points, while Andrew Wiggins had 18.
Up next:
- Kings vs. Miami Heat on January 7
- Warriors vs. Heat on January 8
