NBA Update: Thunders became the first team to beat the Celtics at home 89 - 84
Oklahoma City Thunders finally took the revenge of the previous defeat at their hometown, by defeating Boston Celtics at their home this time. Thunders were short-staffed in the match, played the fourth quarter and charged to come away with a hard fought
89-84 road win at TD Garden, Boston, where the host, Boston Celtics was blown by the visitor after a very breathtaking match in the presence of 18,624 fans. The two teams met earlier this month, as the Thunder failed to defend their home court against Boston,
as they were headed by 9 points.
Boston fell at home for the first time this season.
Two of the main players of Thunder were missing, All-Star Kevin Durant, and forward Jeff Green, both of whom sat out with ankle injuries. Oklahoma City did it without Kevin, who missed his first game of the year due to a sprained left ankle, and forward Green,
who sat out his sixth game in the past seven contests because of the same injury.
In their absence, Russell Westbrook led a balanced and brilliant charge at Thunders end and played the game around the court efficiently.
High-flying Players
Russell Westbrook carried the Thunder with 31 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists. Serge Ibaka added 13 points. James Harden followed him with 12 points, 4 assists and 6 rebounds.
Kevin Garnett led the Celtics with 16 points and 2 rebounds. Paul Pierce and Rajon Rondo scored 14 points each.
Chill Pill
On more than a few possessions, Thunder coach Scott Brooks was seen lengthening an open palm to inculcate Westbrook to be tolerant as he brought the ball up the court. Westbrook then reproduced that same open palm to his teammates, patting down on the air
to settle the game’s velocity.
Game Story
Thunders headed the first quarter of the game by leading the host team with 25 – 23. Westbrook remained the bust player at Thunder’s end during the first quarter with his individual 8 points.
Celtics scored 23 points each in three quarters of the game.
By the half time of the game, the Thunders were leading by 49-46, setting a season-low for an opponent’s first-half point total.
The Thunder held a 77-69 lead after three quarters.
Thunder’s last made field goal came on a jumper by Eric Maynor with 9:28 left. Later on three players at Thunders end came up with accelerating performance, which include one charge by Royal Ivey, and two huge offensive rebounds by Thabo Sefolosha and Serge
Ibaka that extended possessions.
Turning Point of the Game
The Celtics were struggling around the court and clawed their way back from a nine-point deficit in the closing split seconds; Glen Davis earned two chances to trim the debit at the free throw line.
Davis at Celtic’s end missed a golden chance of three of the four crucial free offers with less than three minutes remaining, helped them to eek out the win.
Quotable
Durant was quiet pleased on his team overcoming his absence, said "It's not painful to watch when we're winning. Of course I wanted to be out there, and play with my team. I've got o make sure I'm healthy first though....that's my first concern."
"Defending, rebounds, getting steals, boxing out...I mean, we just did it all defensively and that's what it's going to take for us to win a game. Sometimes we aren't going to be able to make shots. We just defend," said Thunder’s Westbrook.
Up Next
Oklahoma City will take on Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday, November 20, 2010 at Bradley Center, Milwaukee.
With a new hope and new challenge, Celtics will play its next match against Toronto Raptors on Sunday, November 21, 2010 at Air Canada Centre, Toronto.
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