Thunder pull away from Celtics in clash of title contenders

In a potential NBA Finals preview, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tossed in 34 points and Chet Holmgren added 23 points and 15 rebounds to lead the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder over the Boston Celtics 118-112 on Wednesday night.

Oklahoma City, which outscored Boston 30-24 in the fourth quarter, has won eight of its last nine games. The victory ended Boston's five-game winning streak.

The game was tied at 98 with 8:12 to play, but the Thunder took control by scoring 15 of the next 19 points.

Jayson Tatum led Boston with 33 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. The Celtics received 22 points and eight rebounds from Derrick White, while Al Horford added 18 points and 10 rebounds. White and Horford each made six 3-pointers.

Boston's Jaylen Brown was held to 10 points and fouled out with 3:36 to play. Brown was 5 of 15 from the field and missed each of his five 3-point attempts. He and White fouled out in the fourth quarter.

Kristaps Porzingis missed his seventh straight game with a viral illness. He was listed as questionable on Boston's injury report.

Oklahoma City forward Jalen Williams didn't make the trip to Boston after he suffered a hip strain during Monday's 140-127 loss to Denver. Williams is averaging 21.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game this season. The Thunder also played without Alex Caruso (illness).

Boston was 20 of 63 from 3-point territory (31.7 percent). Oklahoma City entered the game leading the league in opponents' 3-point percentage (33.6 percent).

Oklahoma City (25 of 35) hit 15 more free throws than Boston (10 of 12).

The game was tight until the Thunder pulled away late. Oklahoma City led 33-30 after one quarter and 63-60 at halftime. It was tied at 88 after three quarters.

Oklahoma City swept the season series after prevailing 105-92 at home on Jan. 5.

The loss gave Boston a 5-2 homestand.

--Field Level Media