Kristaps Porzingis Calls Celtics Matchup vs. Thunder ‘A Great Experience'
In a thriller, the Boston Celtics had their six-game losing streak snapped to the Oklahoma City Thunder, 127-123. The matchup was full of high-level energy and momentum, heavily talent-filled with an incredible dynamic from both teams.
The Thunder took the lead by double-digits for a second time in the third quarter, as they were able to maintain a double-digit lead, getting up by as many as 18 to start the fourth. Boston came back and made it a game at the very end, and maybe they could have gone to overtime had Kristaps Porzingis corner three-pointer not had his foot on the line. Oklahoma City was just beating them in the hustle and energy plays and on the glass.
Porzingis continued his scorching play as of late with his 34 points, 10 rebounds, and two assists on 12-18 from the field with two threes. Jayson Tatum also had 30 points, 13 rebounds, and 8 assists on 10-21 shooting, while Derrick White had another 19 points with five triples.
After the game, Porzingis spoke about how this playoff-level matchup with high intensity was good for the Celtics and the new team's experience. The big man thought the Thunder had good control over the game, adding that they "sped them up."
Porzingis noted the Celtics' resiliency as well as the benefit of facing a team they might see in June.
"Overall, I think our effort was there," he said. "Even that, when they made that run, we kept fighting, and then we made our runs in the fourth and came back in the game. That's a talented young team, and I don't believe this was some fluke game for them. They've been playing really well; they're top of the west. Really good team to go up against, and really good experience for us."
Further Reading
Here's What Stood Out as Celtics' Slow Start to Final Frame Too Much to Overcome vs. Thunder
Celtics' Maturation, Sacrifice Fueling Their Success
Jaylen Brown Quieting Doubters, Validating What He Always Believed: 'Earn Everybody's Trust'
Jrue Holiday's Assertiveness Elevating Celtics' Offense
Luke Kornet Opens Up About Handling Inconsistent Role, Putting the Team Over Himself
Celtics' Offensive Approach Outweighs Three-Point Struggles in Christmas Victory vs. Lakers
Joe Mazzulla Discusses Identity, Evolution of Celtics' Offense: 'Balance of Pace and Execution'
Jayson Tatum Joins PR Team for Derrick White’s All-Star Campaign
Jaylen Brown Shares His View of What Defines 'Celtics Basketball'
