Celtics, Brown Dominate Thunder in Finals Preview

Brown’s MVP Caliber Night Powers Celtics Past Thunder

Jaylen Brown put on an absolute show, scoring 31 points with 8 rebounds and 8 assists, leading the Boston Celtics to a dominant 10-point victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. This win, which felt like a preview of the NBA Finals, showcased the Celtics’ depth and resilience, even with Jason Tatum still working his way back to full strength.

Tatum Shows Glimmers of His Old Self

While Jason Tatum didn’t have his best shooting night, scoring 19 points on 5-of-12 shooting, his presence was felt throughout the game. He contributed with key passes, including a crucial assist to Al Horford for a powerful dunk that tied the game at 75 in the third quarter. Jaylen Brown described Tatum’s performance as a step in the right direction, noting his high intensity and physicality. “We still encouraging him to get back to that level of aggression that we we know and are used to,” Brown said. “But I think today was a great game of him making the right plays, making the right reads, being physical, um, and being Jason Tatum.”

Brown Takes Over as Celtics Pull Away

The game remained close through much of the third quarter, but a pivotal moment came when Brown scored to put the Celtics up by two. From there, Boston never looked back, extending their lead to 11 points. Brown’s ability to attack the basket and draw fouls was on full display, as he hit free throws to extend the lead. The Celtics’ system, praised as being designed by “probably the best coach in the NBA” Joe Mazzulla, allowed them to rack up 25 assists on 38 made shots, highlighting their unselfish play.

Thunder’s SGA Shines Despite Loss

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander put up a valiant effort for the Thunder, scoring 33 points and dishing out assists. Despite being at the end of a long road trip, SGA battled hard, and the Thunder managed to stay within six points late in the game. However, Brown’s late-game heroics sealed the victory for Boston.

Celtics Eyeing Championship Contention

The Celtics’ performance has analysts buzzing. Jaylen Brown’s 33-point game marked his 33rd of the season, tying him for the fifth most in Celtics history for a single season. This level of play has led many to believe Boston is a serious championship contender. “It felt like you were watching the best team in basketball, which is absolutely insane to say considering Jason Tatum is only several weeks into, you know, how he’s recovered from an Achilles tear,” said analyst Jay Williams. Tim McMahon agreed that while he might not call them the best team in the league yet, they “just beat the best team in the NBA.” He added that if Tatum is close to peak form by the playoffs, “look out.”

Tatum’s Recovery and Playoff Outlook

Despite some concerns about Tatum’s shooting percentages, the consensus is not to overreact. “Stop sweating small sample size shooting numbers from a dude fresh off of a freaking 10-month Achilles rehab,” urged McMahon. The focus is on Tatum ramping up for the playoffs, where he’s needed most. The Celtics’ ability to maintain a high level of play, even with Tatum not at 100%, speaks volumes about their coaching and team depth. They are seen as clear favorites in the Eastern Conference, with the path to the finals likely going through Boston.

Lakers’ Dynamic Duo Dominates Pacers

In another high-profile matchup, LeBron James and Luka Dončić put on a scoring clinic as the Lakers handily defeated the Indiana Pacers. LeBron James, defying his age at 41, threw down a powerful right-handed slam, showing he still has plenty of athleticism. Dončić was equally impressive, scoring 21 points in the first quarter and finishing with 43 points on the night. His scoring streak is remarkable, with 11 consecutive games of 30 or more points, tying a career high.

Dončić’s Historic Scoring Streak

Dončić’s road scoring streak is particularly noteworthy, with six straight games of 30 or more points away from home. This streak ties him with Michael Jordan for the longest such streak since 1996. His offensive brilliance has propelled the Lakers into the playoff conversation, with many questioning their legitimacy as contenders just weeks ago.

Lakers’ Defense and Playoff Potential

While the Lakers’ offense, led by Dončić and James, is undeniable, questions remain about their defense. Tim McMahon highlighted that their current defensive success relies on “hustle and scheme,” and the key will be whether that can hold up in a seven-game series against elite competition. Jay Williams pointed to players like Marcus Smart and the defensive schemes implemented by JJ Redick as crucial factors. DeAndre Ayton’s ability to anchor the defense is also a major question mark for their playoff aspirations.

McMahon’s Skepticism on Lakers’ Defense

McMahon, who covers Dončić closely, remains somewhat skeptical about the Lakers’ long-term defensive capabilities. He compared their current situation to the Dallas Mavericks’ unexpected finals run, noting that Dallas had a more inherently strong defense. While acknowledging Dončić’s incredible individual performance and the Lakers’ recent success, McMahon believes the underlying issues that plagued them earlier in the season still exist. He also noted that while the Lakers seem likely to secure the third seed, teams like OKC and San Antonio pose greater threats in the Western Conference.

Dončić’s Savvy Play and Defensive Contributions

Despite the defensive concerns, Dončić’s overall game is undeniable. He’s described as arguably the best offensive player in the league, a scoring machine, and a basketball savant. When locked in, he can contribute defensively, making him the Lakers’ best perimeter defender statistically when he’s on the ball. The team’s ability to scheme around him and protect him on defense is a testament to their coaching and their understanding of his strengths.

Ayton’s Role in Lakers’ Championship Hopes

Ultimately, the Lakers’ success in the playoffs may hinge on DeAndre Ayton’s ability to anchor their defense. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, including during Phoenix’s finals run, his inconsistency has led him to multiple teams. If Ayton can prove to be a dependable defensive anchor, the Lakers have a legitimate shot at coming out of the Western Conference. However, there are significant reasons for doubt, making their playoff journey one to watch closely.

Source: ‘Felt like you were watching THE team in basketball!’ – JWill on the Celtics’ win over OKC | Get Up (YouTube)