Thunder Sweep Celtics, Clinch Playoff Spot

The Oklahoma City Thunder clinched a playoff berth with a 118-112 victory over the Boston Celtics, highlighted by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 34 points and Chet Holmgren's 23 points and 15 rebounds. This win not only secured their postseason spot but also completed a season sweep of the defending champions, signaling the Thunder's championship ambitions. Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized the significance of defeating the Celtics, stating that they represent a benchmark for what the Thunder aspire to achieve. The Celtics struggled with physicality and were limited offensively, with Jaylen Brown acknowledging the Thunder's toughness and intensity during the game. Both teams showcased their star power, with Jayson Tatum scoring 33 points for Boston, but ultimately, the Thunder outperformed their opponents in critical areas such as rebounding and free throws. The matchup served as a potential preview for the NBA Finals, with both teams demonstrating their readiness for the postseason.