By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
With still six games left before the play-in kicks off in preparation for the post-season, the Boston Celtics already got what they wanted after clinching the best record in the NBA while also becoming the first franchise to secure a home-court advantage.
The twin accomplishments came after the Eastern Conference powerhouse demolished the Oklahoma City Thunder, 135-100, in the NBA regular season on April 4, 2024.
Boston’s lopsided victory improved their NBA win-loss record to 60 wins and 16 losses, the best in the league that will stand until the end of the regular season.
Eastern Conference’s current second-seeded team, the Milwaukee Bucks, is so far behind with a win-loss record of 47-29. Even if they sweep their remaining regular season games, they still can’t catch up with Boston’s 60-win slate.
On the other hand, the Minnesota Timberwolves who are sitting at the no. 1 spot in the Western Conference, have a win-loss record of 53-23.
It was anybody’s game after the first quarter as Oklahoma was able to keep themselves within striking distance after only trailing by seven points, 30-23.
However, the Celtics topped their first-quarter outing after outscoring the Thunder to end the first half with a sizable 13-point lead.
Things then started to go Boston’s way when the third quarter began after the trio of Kristaps Porzingis, Jayson Tatum, and Jaylen Brown put on a massive scoring display.
The trifecta’s solid offensive showing continued until the final 12 minutes of the game when the Celtics recorded its highest-scoring quarter with 42 markers.
Porzingis led the way for Boston with 27 points built from an efficient 11/14 shooting from the field to go alongside 12 rebounds, five blocks, and four dimes.
Meanwhile, Tatum added 24 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and a steal while Brown capped off their win with 23 points, seven boards, four dimes, two rejections, and a steal.
The Celtics will have the chance to extend their record on April 6, 2024, as they face De’Aaron Fox and the Sacramento Kings in an inter-conference showdown.
