Final: Celtics 127, Thunder 123 - Gilgeous-Alexander leads Thunder as C's comeback falls just short

BOSTON CELTICS at OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER

8:00 p.m. - NBC Sports Boston

Line: Boston -4.5

INJURIES

None 

NOTES

- Boston has won six straight games and 11 of their past 12. This is Boston’s fourth winning streak of at least five games this season.

- OKC has won four straight and seven of their past eight. 

- Boston is ranked second in offense and third in defense. OKC is ranked sixth in offense and second in defense. 

THINGS I’M LOOKING FOR

1. Make or miss: The Thunder make 42.6% of their 3-pointers in wins, and they shoot 30.9% in losses. So the first thing to watch for is pretty simple. Is the ball going in for OKC or not? They’ve only lost three games so far this season when they shoot 36% or better, and only once when they shoot better than 40%

This is especially true of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. His stats are almost identical in wins versus losses … except his shooting 12.5% from 3 in eight losses and 37.7% in 22 wins. 

2. The Chet Holmgren game plan: He’s one of the rookie of the year favorites, which means he’s talented and young. The Celtics can take advantage of his aggressiveness and get him into foul trouble.

3. Move the ball: The Celtics have an offensive advantage here, and can make full use of it by moving the ball and testing the Thunder defense. Make them work, get them frustrated by mistakes, and hope that helps limit them on the other end of the floor. This is a classic opportunity for Boston to defend with their offense … get the Thunder to slump their shoulders and let Boston’s make impact how well they shoot on the other end of the floor. 

Follow along with my thoughts as the game goes on. They’ll show up below and in the comments section, so hop in and share your opinion as well.