Jayson Tatum is on a roll and the Celtics notice it. The forward has left behind a bad start to the season and last night endorsed 33 points to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Yes, it was not the most difficult rival, but for Boston any victory is important at the moment, and more considering that the latter (achieved by 111-105) places them with a positive balance (9-8) for the first time in the season.
Although the final score can make us understand that it was an even match, the reality is different. The greens dominated from the beginning and the advantage did not stop growing until they were 25 points up midway through the third quarter. It was at that moment when OKC began to close the gap, but without jeopardizing the triumph of the boys of Ime Udoka. “We knew it was a great game the previous one (against Lakers), but it didn’t matter if we lost the next,” says the head coach.
We have talked about the great performance of Tatum, who has three games exceeding 30 points with at least 50% in field goals. His performance is fantastic, but one player cannot win every night. If Boston has improved to winning seven of its last ten meetings, it’s also thanks to Dennis Schröder. The point guard, a starter since Jaylen Brown is out, signed 29 points and 6 assists last night.
Those of Massachusetts are in full comeback. In an Eastern Conference with new guests in its upper part (Washington or Chicago are examples of this), Boston could not allow the initial distraction to extend in time. They are putting a remedy and are already seventh. “I think we are beginning to understand the level at which we have to play night after night,” says Al Horford, who last night had a double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds.
Oklahoma is falling
After hitting 50 percent wins recently (5-6), the Thunder have been losing momentum in recent days to now rack up four losses in their last five games. Last night they were practically unable to compete despite cutting distances in the last minutes. Luguentz Dort was the leading scorer with 16 points while rookie Josh Giddey went to 15 points and 8 rebounds. Another rookie, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, understands that they have to start better if they want to have options in future matchups.
“I feel like this shows that if we start well and on our terms, we can get to play a full 48 minutes. I think we got off to a too slow start tonight, “says the power forward, who had 13 points off the bench.
(Photograph by Maddie Meyer / Getty Images)
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