Thunder (56-15) at Celtics (47-24) Game #72 3/25/26

[Phantom255x]

Despite the record against top teams and the recent Wolves game, this team has shown it can compete against anybody. And make no mistake, the Spurs/Nuggets/Wolves (when healthy)/OKC are a class above any of the top East teams (CLE/NY/DET). Let the West battle it out and we can worry about them in June potentially, but the C's really should be favored in the East. They play like they did tonight, they should get through the East rather comfortably. Plus the C's will get back Vucevic before the postseason, that's another boost.

[Goldstar88]

That was the most important win of the season. Spurs and OKC are clearly better than everyone else in the league. Celtics showed tonight that they are in that class.

[ozgod]

Have to watch the full game I missed the 2nd half but I felt that tis was the best game JT played in terms of fitting in to the identity of this year's iteration of the Celtics - he gave them what they needed, without dominating things and trying to be "the old JT". JT is a very unselfish, and intelligent player, and smart players adapt to what the team needs from them, and I thought tonight was the best example of him doing that since his return. We don't need 30ppg from him, we don't need him to be the first option, or to dominate like the past, but if he gives us 20-10-5 a night on reasonably efficient shooting and defends multiple positions and makes the right reads that's a huge plus to a team that was already solid without him.

[trickybilly]

That was a big boy win tonight.  Team showed a lot of resilience. Especially after coming out of the gate slow. Defense was looked in and the offense was showing more aggression.

Great pick me up as a fan after the Twolve debacle.

A fun one for sure.

Baylor was a catalyst.

Baylor really solidifying that 2nd wing of the bench role. Hugo and Walsh wayyy back in the rearview mirror right now

[ozgod]

That was a big boy win tonight.  Team showed a lot of resilience. Especially after coming out of the gate slow. Defense was looked in and the offense was showing more aggression.

Great pick me up as a fan after the Twolve debacle.

A fun one for sure.

Baylor was a catalyst.

Baylor really solidifying that 2nd wing of the bench role. Hugo and Walsh wayyy back in the rearview mirror right now

Baylor is probably the most versatile and consistent defender of all of them, plus he's probably the best shooter of the three, which is why he has earned his minutes in Joe's rotation but they all bring different value to the team in their way. Walsh is probably the one whose minutes have been squeezed out the most because of JT's return but itg's great that nobody is sulking, they're all staying ready. Hugo's getting about 15 mpg the last several games, Baylor and Sam about 25. I don't think that's that far back the rearview mirror...you can see him at least 

[Vermont Green]

Nice win for sure. I feel BOS will have to play better to win a series against OKC. Tatum and Brown had too many turnovers. I think they can play better. OKC can too though. But this game made a statement. BOS is right there with anyone. 

[boscel33]

This just put the NBA on notice!

[Amonkey]

That was a big boy win tonight.  Team showed a lot of resilience. Especially after coming out of the gate slow. Defense was looked in and the offense was showing more aggression.

Great pick me up as a fan after the Twolve debacle.

A fun one for sure.

Baylor was a catalyst.

Baylor really solidifying that 2nd wing of the bench role. Hugo and Walsh wayyy back in the rearview mirror right now

Baylor is probably the most versatile and consistent defender of all of them, plus he's probably the best shooter of the three, which is why he has earned his minutes in Joe's rotation but they all bring different value to the team in their way. Walsh is probably the one whose minutes have been squeezed out the most because of JT's return but itg's great that nobody is sulking, they're all staying ready. Hugo's getting about 15 mpg the last several games, Baylor and Sam about 25. I don't think that's that far back the rearview mirror...you can see him at least 

The good thing about the way that Mazulla is controlling the minutes that either of the three players has something that they can bring for short bursts of minutes come playoff times. They all can play a good, aggressive defense and can play with high motor. If they are getting big minutes in the playoffs then we are in trouble, but I can definitely see either one of them coming in during a game when we are in a funk and give instant energy to give us some momentum.