In a gripping NBA face-off on January 5, 2025, the Boston Celtics faced off against the Oklahoma City Thunder, ultimately succumbing to a 105-92 defeat fueled by a tumultuous second half. The Celtics entered the halftime break with a solid 15-point lead, showcasing impressive play. However, they encountered significant challenges after returning to the court. Jayson Tatum, who finished with a stellar 28 points on 11-of-22 shooting, expressed his disappointment in the team’s inability to maintain their first-half momentum. ‘We’ve got to be better and finish games,’ Tatum stated after the match. The Celtics looked dominant in the early phases, especially with a strong contribution from Jaylen Brown, who added 22 points. Yet, the Thunder, led by a spirited performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 34 points, shifted the game in their favor. Oklahoma City outscored Boston 64-36 in the second half, marking a stark turnaround. Coach Joe Mazzulla addressed the team’s struggles, pointing out, ‘We’ve got to manage leads better and close out games. It’s essential for our growth.’ The loss drops Boston’s record to 24-14, while the Thunder improve to 20-19. The game also showcased Oklahoma City’s depth, as other contributors like Lu Dort and Josh Giddey stepped up, combining for 30 points. The Celtics will look to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next matchup.
Celtics Fall to Thunder in Second Half Collapse, 105-92
