The Oklahoma City Thunder punched their ticket to the 2024 NBA Playoffs in dramatic fashion, taking down the Boston Celtics 118-112 on Wednesday night in what could be a preview of the NBA Finals.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander & Chet Holmgren Shine in Statement Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge with 34 points, while Chet Holmgren delivered a dominant 23-point, 15-rebound performance to power the Thunder past the defending champions on their home court.
This marks the second time this season that OKC has bested Boston—proving they can hang with the league’s best. Holmgren missed the first meeting in January, but his presence on Wednesday was a game-changer.
“We’re in March, not June,” Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault reminded reporters after the game. “We’re focused on March.”
Still, it’s hard to ignore the implications of this matchup. If these teams meet again, it would be on the NBA’s biggest stage—the 2024 NBA Finals.
Thunder Clinch Playoff Berth Earlier Than Last Year
With the win, OKC became the second team in the NBA to clinch a playoff spot this season, following the Cleveland Cavaliers.
For Gilgeous-Alexander, this moment shows progress.
“It means we got better than we were last year,” he said. “Ultimately, that’s all you can ask for. We took steps in the right direction, and we checked a goal off the list a little earlier than last year. But we have a lot more to do.”
Last season, the Thunder didn’t lock in their postseason spot until March 31. This year, they’re ahead of schedule and hungry for more.
Celtics Fire Up 63 Threes, but Thunder Close Strong
The Celtics, known for their long-range attack, attempted a franchise-record 63 three-pointers, tying the NBA record for most attempts in a regulation game. However, they cooled off late, going just 3-for-14 from deep in the fourth quarter.
Despite Jayson Tatum’s 33-point effort, Boston couldn’t overcome OKC’s relentless energy.
Holmgren acknowledged the extra motivation of facing the reigning champs but kept things in perspective.
“Obviously, there’s always added juice playing the defending champions,” he said. “But at the end of the day, it’s one of 82. Win or lose, we’re going to try to learn from it, come back next game and try to be better.”
What’s Next for OKC?
With a playoff berth secured, the Thunder can now focus on securing home-court advantage and fine-tuning their game for a deep postseason run. Their youth, talent, and chemistry make them one of the most exciting teams in the league, and they’ve already proven they can beat the best.
If Wednesday’s win was a test, OKC passed with flying colors. But the real exam comes in June—and the Thunder are determined to be there.
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