WASHINGTON: The Boston Celtics secured the best record in the NBA this season and clinched home-court advantage throughout the NBA playoffs on Wednesday (Thursday in Manila) with an emphatic 135-100 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Latvian sensation Kristaps Porzingis poured in 27 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, while Jayson Tatum contributed 24 points and Jaylen Brown added 23 points for the Celtics, who now boast an Eastern Conference-leading record of 60-16.
With the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Denver Nuggets trailing closely behind, sharing the top spot in the Western Conference at 53-33 with only six games remaining for Boston, the Celtics are guaranteed to have the most home games in any playoff series as they pursue their quest for an NBA-record 18th championship title.
“You learn to appreciate the process,” remarked Tatum. “Ultimately, we aim to hang a championship banner. We can’t overlook the steps. Achieving 60-plus wins and securing the best record in the league, it’s significant. But regardless, you have to win games on the road in the playoffs to accomplish what you aspire to.”
Returning home after a successful 4-2 road trip, the Celtics dominated the Thunder, particularly in the fourth quarter, outscoring them 42-17 to seal the victory.
“It feels great,” expressed Tatum. “We had a lengthy road trip, spanning 13 days. It was refreshing to return home, engage with our fans, and secure a win.
“We simply ramped up our intensity. The first game back after a lengthy road trip can be challenging. However, we managed to regain our energy. It was evident in the second half. We began to get crucial stops, played with more pace, and converted our shots.”
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves joined the Denver Nuggets atop the Western Conference standings after a commanding 133-85 win over the visiting Toronto Raptors, extending the Raptors’ losing streak to 15 games.
Anthony Edwards led the charge for the Timberwolves with 28 points, supported by Naz Reid’s 23 points, and Rudy Gobert’s 11 points and 15 rebounds.
With a record of 53-23, the Timberwolves are on par with the Nuggets and hold a one-game advantage over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
In a game marred by injuries, the Milwaukee Bucks, missing Damian Lillard, Khris Middleton, and Patrick Beverley, fell to the visiting Memphis Grizzlies with a score of 111-101.