NBA roundup: Thunder extend winning streak, Celtics defeat Timberwolves in thrilling showdown
Oklahoma City extended the NBA's longest winning streak to 13 games with a home victory on Thursday, while the defending champion Boston Celtics secured a narrow last-second win against Minnesota.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with a game-high 29 points and eight assists, propelling the team to a 116-98 triumph over the Los Angeles Clippers in Oklahoma City, thereby enhancing the Western Conference leaders' record to 28-5.
This winning streak marks the longest for the franchise since its relocation from Seattle following the 2007-08 season.
"It's about being present, taking it day by day, and focusing on our improvement, and I believe we are doing well in that regard," stated Isaiah Hartenstein, who contributed 11 points, nine rebounds, and six assists for the Thunder.
Despite trailing 52-48 at halftime, Oklahoma City dominated the third quarter, outscoring the Clippers 42-20, and Los Angeles was unable to recover.
"We aimed to increase our defensive pressure," Hartenstein remarked. "We were not playing with the intensity we desired. We wanted to apply pressure, and I think we executed that effectively."
In Minneapolis, the Celtics managed to secure a victory against the Timberwolves, winning 118-115, despite being without Jaylen Brown due to a right shoulder strain and Kristaps Porzingis due to an ankle sprain. This marked their third win in four games during a challenging road trip.
Jayson Tatum was instrumental for Boston, scoring 33 points on 13-of-27 shooting, including 6-of-17 from beyond the arc, while also contributing eight rebounds and nine assists.
"Without JB and KP, we've faced a tough stretch over the last eight or nine games," Tatum acknowledged. "This January, we aim to regain our identity.
"What better way to do that than to win on the road in a challenging environment against a strong team while missing two of our best players? The way we responded and found a way to win is something we will cherish."
The Celtics (25-9) committed only four turnovers while forcing 16 from the Timberwolves (17-16), who managed to narrow the gap by outscoring Boston 20-4 at the free-throw line.
The Timberwolves held a 35-28 advantage after the first quarter, equaling their highest scoring output for that period this season; however, the Celtics surged ahead to a 62-51 lead by halftime.
Minnesota completed a 20-7 scoring run, culminating in a three-pointer from Donte DiVincenzo, which tied the game at 94-94 with 9:16 left on the clock.
With 28 seconds remaining, DiVincenzo converted three free throws, narrowing the Timberwolves' deficit to 118-115. Following a missed shot by Jayson Tatum with just 3.1 seconds left, Minnesota regained possession.
"Rule number one. If you leave it short, it never has a chance to go in," Tatum remarked.
Anthony Edwards' three-point attempt at the buzzer failed, securing the win for Boston.
"Just had to stick with it," Tatum commented regarding Boston's defensive efforts. "They were making some challenging shots. You have to accept certain things; you cannot eliminate everything. Adhere to the game plan and compete."
Derrick White contributed 26 points for Boston, while Julius Randle led Minnesota with 27 points, along with eight rebounds and seven assists.
The Celtics commenced a four-game road trip against formidable opponents, with upcoming matches scheduled against Houston, Oklahoma City, and Denver.
"I appreciate the way we competed. Our physicality was exceptional. That is essential," Tatum stated.
"We are facing four very strong teams on the road. We will need everyone's contribution in these contests."
In another matchup, Indiana's Tyrese Haliburton scored 33 points and secured 15 rebounds, leading the Pacers to a 128-115 victory over Miami. Myles Turner added 21 points, and Pascal Siakam contributed 18 points and 11 rebounds for Indiana.
The Brooklyn Nets triumphed over the Milwaukee Bucks with a score of 113-110, thanks to Cameron Johnson's 26 points and Cam Thomas's 24 points off the bench.
Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded 27 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists for the Bucks, while Damian Lillard added 23 points. However, the Milwaukee stars faltered in the closing moments, hindering a potential comeback.
Lillard's jumper brought the Bucks within 111-110 with 37 seconds left, but after a turnover by Brooklyn, Antetokounmpo missed a driving layup. Ziaire Williams then converted two free throws,
Lillard missed a potential tying 3-pointer at the buzzer.
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