NBA roundup: Celtics clinch playoff home edge by silencing Thunder

The Boston Celtics secured the NBA's top record this season and home-court advantage throughout the playoffs on Wednesday with a dominant 135-100 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Kristaps Porzingis had an impressive performance with 27 points and 12 rebounds, while Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown added 24 and 23 points respectively for the Celtics, who now hold a league-best record of 60-16 in the Eastern Conference.

Following closely behind are Minnesota and Denver, who are tied for the lead in the Western Conference with a record of 53-23.

Despite having six games left in the regular season, Boston is already guaranteed home-court advantage in the playoffs as they aim for their 18th NBA title.

Tatum emphasized the importance of the process, stating, "We can't skip steps. Winning 60-plus games and securing the best record in the league is significant. However, we understand the need to win games on the road in the playoffs to achieve our ultimate goal."

After returning from a successful road trip, the Celtics dominated the Thunder in the fourth quarter, outscoring them 42-17 to seal the victory.

"It feels great to be back home after a long road trip," Tatum expressed. "We were able to feed off the energy of our fans and secure the win. Our intensity picked up, and we found our rhythm in the second half."

Meanwhile, Minnesota joined Denver at the top of the Western Conference standings with a commanding 133-85 win over the Toronto Raptors, extending Toronto's losing streak to 15 games. Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 28 points, supported by Naz Reid's 23 points and Rudy Gobert's double-double performance.

With a record of 53-23, the Timberwolves are tied with the Nuggets and hold a one-game advantage over the Thunder.

Milwaukee, plagued by injuries, was missing key players Damian Lillard, Khris Middleton, and Patrick Beverley, resulting in a 111-101 loss to Memphis.

Jaren Jackson Jr. shined for the Grizzlies with 35 points, while GG Jackson contributed 15 points and 12 rebounds.

Brook Lopez led the Bucks with 25 points and 10 rebounds, with Giannis Antetokounmpo adding 21 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds.

Lillard, Middleton, and Beverley were sidelined due to injuries, with Lillard nursing a groin strain, Middleton dealing with a left ankle injury, and Beverley recovering from a right ankle sprain.

The New Orleans Pelicans (45-31) suffered a setback as they were pushed into the play-in zone after a 117-108 home loss to the Orlando Magic. Paolo Banchero contributed 32 points, while Franz Wagner added 24 points for the Magic.

In a thrilling home victory for the Brooklyn Nets, Cam Thomas delivered an impressive performance with 27 points, while rookie Noah Clowney made a significant impact off the bench with a season-high 22 points. The Nets secured a 115-111 win over the Indiana Pacers.

Deandre Ayton, the Bahamian center, showcased his skills by scoring 24 points and grabbing 16 rebounds, leading the Portland Trail Blazers to an 89-86 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on their home court.

Following a disappointing season, Charlotte Hornets coach Steve Clifford announced his decision to step down after the season. With a record of 18-58, the Hornets are no longer in contention for the playoffs.