Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder sealed a spot within the NBA qualifiers with 16 video games of the season following a powerful 118-112 victory in opposition to the Boston Celtics champions.
Shai Gilgeous-Aalexander strengthened his file for the MVP worth (most helpful participant) by depositing 34 factors, 5 rebounds and 7 assists in 39 minutes.
The victory implies that the Thunder, which has 12 video games clearly on the high of the Western Convention rating, joined Cleveland riders for the reason that Japanese Convention within the playoffs.
And beat the 18 -time Boston champions was an necessary “check” to beat for the Thunder, who’s attempting to win the NBA title for the primary time.
“It is big,” stated Gilgeous-Alexander after the Thunder has improved 54 wins and solely 12 defeats.
“As a result of [the Celtics have] I did what we try to do, the matches in opposition to them will at all times be strengthened. They’ll at all times be a little bit extra thrilling.
“There is no such thing as a higher check within the NBA.”
The Celtics, which have now gained 49 and misplaced 17 video games, are second behind the riders (gained 55 misplaced 10) and stay heading in the right direction for a barrage sq..
Jayson Tatum, who scored 33 factors in 41 minutes, says that his crew should enhance their form in the event that they wish to win consecutive championships.
“Everybody has to play a little bit higher,” stated Tatum.
“Higher on the sidelines, the little issues. You play in opposition to assertive groups that aren’t actually going to battle.
“And little issues, not the soar shooters on the finish of the clock, reside turnover, issues like that, [we] I simply need to be a little bit higher. “”
