The Celtics had another one of their “fast starts” tonight. Boston shot a white hot 73% in the first quarter, and had a 28-27 lead over OKC after 1. But it would be all downhill from there. Despite not having Kevin Durant or Russell Westbrook, the Thunder took it to a listless C’s squad for the next three quarters. Boston looked bored & lazy most of the night, chucking up three after three, failing to play consistent defense and turning the ball over all evening. A Thunder team missing both of their superstars easily beats the Celtics tonight, 101-83.
The Celtics mustered only 18 points in the 2nd quarter and 13 in the 3rd-which was one of the ugliest quarters the C’s have played all season. Boston gave up 27 points to OKC in that 3rd quarter, and shot 5 of 20 (25%) from the field and 0 of 5 from downtown. They also turned the ball over 5 times, and when all was said and done, OKC led 77-59 heading into the 4th. Jeremy Lamb had 19 points off the bench for the Thunder, and filled in any offensive gaps that were left open by KD’s absence. Serge Ibaka had 21 & Reggie Jackson scored 14. Jeff Green’s 16 led an anemic Boston offense that attempted 27 threes and connected on only 5 of them. Jared Sullinger dislocated one of the fingers on his right hand in the first quarter and was never quite himself afterwards. We should find out more tomorrow as far as the severity of the injury.
The Celtics are off tomorrow and next play Sunday evening when Truth & Ticket make their big return to Boston with the Brooklyn Nets. Tip-off is at 6:30pm EST. Will undoubtedly be a very emotional night.
The Green:
- No one was seriously injured tonight
The Gross:
- Boston went 5 of 27 from three-point range, led by Jeff Green’s 1 of 8
- Celtics turned the ball over 16 times and had 0 blocked shots on defense-recipe for ugly
- OKC had 15 turnovers of their own, yet still won by 18 points
The Greenlights:
The Grid: (quick stats)
- OKC out scored Boston in the paint 48-36
- Teams combined for a horrific 10 of 40 from downtown
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