Oklahoma City Thunder secured their 13th consecutive victory, their longest streak since relocating from Seattle, with a dominant second half to beat the Los Angeles Clippers 116-98. Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics, shorthanded due to injuries, held off the Minnesota Timberwolves 118-115 in a nail-biting finish in Minneapolis.
Thunder Dominate Clippers in Second Half
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Western Conference-leading Thunder (28-5) with 29 points and eight assists. After trailing 52-48 at halftime, Oklahoma City erupted with a 42-20 third quarter to seize control.
| Key Thunder Performers | Stats |
|---|---|
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | 29 points, 8 assists |
| Isaiah Hartenstein | 11 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists |
| Josh Giddey | 14 points, 7 rebounds |
The Clippers struggled to recover in the final quarter, succumbing to Oklahoma City’s relentless defensive pressure.
Tatum Leads Injury-Hit Celtics to Victory
The Celtics (25-9), playing without Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis, leaned on Jayson Tatum’s 33 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists. Derrick White added 26 points as Boston held off a furious late rally by the Timberwolves (17-16).
| Key Celtics Performers | Stats |
|---|---|
| Jayson Tatum | 33 points, 8 rebounds, 9 assists |
| Derrick White | 26 points |
Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards missed a game-tying three-pointer at the buzzer after the Timberwolves outscored Boston 20-4 at the free-throw line and forced a tense finish. Julius Randle led Minnesota with 27 points.
Around the League
- Warriors 139, 76ers 105: Stephen Curry made history with a career-best 8-for-8 shooting from three-point range, scoring 30 points and dishing 10 assists despite a sprained thumb. Joel Embiid led the 76ers with 28 points and 14 rebounds.
- Nets 113, Bucks 110: Brooklyn held off a 20-0 Milwaukee run to win as Cameron Johnson scored 26 points. Giannis Antetokounmpo (27 points, 13 rebounds) and Damian Lillard (23 points) missed critical shots late, including a Lillard three-pointer at the buzzer.
- Lakers 114, Trail Blazers 106: LeBron James scored 38 points and added eight assists to lead the Lakers past Portland despite Anthony Davis sitting out with a left ankle sprain.
- Pacers 128, Heat 115: Tyrese Haliburton exploded for 33 points and 15 assists to guide Indiana to a road win over Miami.
Notable Performances of the Night
| Player | Team | Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | Thunder | 29 points, 8 assists |
| Jayson Tatum | Celtics | 33 points, 8 rebounds, 9 assists |
| Stephen Curry | Warriors | 30 points, 8-8 3PT, 10 assists |
| Tyrese Haliburton | Pacers | 33 points, 15 assists |
| LeBron James | Lakers | 38 points, 8 assists |
The Thunder remain the NBA’s hottest team, while Boston proved its mettle in a gritty road win. With standout performances from Curry, Haliburton, and James, the NBA continues to deliver high-stakes drama as the season progresses.
