The Boston Celtics and Oklahoma City Thunder were coming into tonight’s game after a previous loss. The Celtics were 2-2 while the Thunder were 0-3 on the young season. The Thunder came out clicking on all cylinders and was able to make anything it seemed that was going up. Paul George had his game rolling as he slashed to the basket and used his jumper to get the team going. Russell Westbrook was in quick foul trouble early and wasn’t allowed to be as aggressive when he attacks the defense. Jayson Tatum was the bright spot for the Celtics as he was able to get to the basket and find his spot on the floor automatically it seemed.
Paul George and Russell Westbrook combined for 35 points on the night and weren’t able to get a smooth rhythm offensively in that second half. The Thunder bench showed up and helped out in a big way to try to take some pressure off Westbrook and George. Dennis Schroder had 10 points and didn’t play the way he wanted too on the night. There was a couple of possessions where Schroder was able to find Noel or Patterson for some great baskets in crucial moments. The Thunder in the first half contained the Celtics and made it tough for them to score and capitalized on every opportunity to get their lead to 16 points.
The Celtics came out the second half looking like a brand new team and were able to get any shot they wanted on the perimeter. The comeback for the Celtics started when Al Horford got hot from the 3 point line hitting 3 out of 4 to bring the C’s within 10 points. After Horford got things rolling for the Celtics then the rest of the team followed as Kyrie Irving and Jayson Tatum started to facilitate and get other teammates involved. One of those teammates that got involved and was scorching hot was Marcus Morris who went off for 21 points off the bench. He was able to bring that energy and was knocking down big 3’s when the Celtics needed it. The Thunder were hanging in there as well getting a spark from Alex Abrines who hit some timely 3 pointers to help gain the lead. Some of the shot selection down the stretch may have hurt the Thunder and their chances to win but this is all apart of growth. This was only Westbrooks second game back and they still have to try and gel together.
The Celtics made some key baskets at the end and were able to knock down free throws something they didn’t do in the first half to seal the deal. The Thunder lost but this can be used as a motivational tool to get them over the hump for the next game. OKC will play against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday and need a win badly.
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