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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Michael Mulford

Shorthanded Celtics suffer disheartening loss to Thunder, 119-115

Sigh.

Just when the Celtics seem to be making strides forward, they find a way to do a triple back handspring equivalent of U.S. Olympic legend Simone Biles.

The Boston Celtics fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight, 119-115, ending the Thunder’s 14-game losing streak — or should we say 14-game tanking streak?

Nevertheless, this is a new low for the Celtics this season, regardless of being shorthanded without Jayson Tatum, Kemba Walker, and Robert Williams. Losing to a Thunder team who is actively trying to tank while the Celtics are in the midst of trying to avoid the play-in tournament is nothing short of embarrassing.

Once again, Boston got off to a slow start as the Thunder jumped out to a 10-point lead in the first quarter. At the end of the third, the Celtics went on an 18-4 run to tie the game up at 78.

In the final frame, defense was optional on both sides, as Oklahoma City outscored the Celtics 41-37 to take the game. Overall tonight, the lack luster effort and shotmaking from the Celtics was an absolute eyesore.

The Celtics shot just 22.4% from downtown tonight, making only 11-of-49 attempts.

Jaylen Brown led the way for Boston with 39 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 steals on 13-of-26 from the field.

Rookie Payton Pritchard scored a career-high 28 points off the bench in the loss and continues to impress in his first season as a Celtic.

The Celtics have a quick turnaround tomorrow against the Charlotte Hornets, who beat the Celtics 125-104 on Sunday.

This post originally appeared on Celtics Wire. Follow us on Facebook!

 

 

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