The Celtics full starting five was reunited for the first time in nearly two weeks and the unit combined for 96 points to help the C’s hold on for a 112-111 win in Oklahoma City, their seventh straight win overall. Jayson Tatum led the way in a 10-point halftime rally with 19 of his 26 points coming in the second half, while Kemba Walker chipped in with a game-high 28 points including a pair of big 3s in the fourth quarter. All five starters were in double figures with Gordon Hayward (13 points, 10 rebounds) and Daniel Theis (13 points, 13 rebounds) chipping in with double-doubles as well.
The biggest play of the game however came from none other than Marcus Smart who stripped Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the final minute in a one-possession game, eliminating the Thunder’s best chance at pulling off a desperation comeback in the final few minutes. Gilgeous-Alexander had a team-high 24 points for OKC, who saw their four-game winning streak come to a close.
The Celtics now head to Houston to try to continue their hot streak on Tuesday night after winning 10 of their last 11 games overall.
PG: Kemba Walker
SG: Jaylen Brown
SF: Jayson Tatum
PF: Gordon Hayward
C: Daniel Theis
- Robert Williams remains out for the remainder of the road trip but the Celtics have a chance to have their entire lineup back as Gordon Hayward, Jaylen Brown and Daniel Theis are all questionable to return to the lineup after missing Friday's win over the Hawks.
- The Celtics have won six straight games for the second time all season and will be facing one of the hottest teams in the Western Conference in OKC, who have won four straight overall and nine of 10.
- Area to watch this afternoon: Can Celtics slow down the Thunder offense without failing. OKC is one of the best teams in the NBA at getting to the line with five players averaging over three free throw attempts per game.
- Jayson Tatum is averaging 26 points per game over the past seven games while shooting 48 percent from the field.
