Thunder Takes Down Celtics without Durant, Green

Oklahoma City had its best defensive showing of the year in 89-84 win against Boston.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 12:03 pm

By: News On 6

Thunder Takes Down Celtics without Durant, Green

Originally Published: Nov 19, 2010 9:19 PM CDT

Grant Belcher
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

BOSTON – The Thunder knocking off the Celtics with Kevin Durant and Jeff Green injured was impressive in and of itself.

But the most impressive part was how they went about doing it.

Oklahoma City went back to its defensive roots in an 89-84 road win in Boston on Friday night.

The 84 points from the Celtics was the lowest point total OKC has held an opponent to this season, topping the 92 points Boston scored on it in Oklahoma City on Nov. 7

The Celtics shot a solid 48 percent from the field but just 1-of-8 from 3-point range. OKC also outrebounded Boston 37-31 despite a major height deficiency in the paint.

The scoring stayed close for most of the first half, but Oklahoma City went on a 7-2 run midway through the second to gain the lead and did not give it up for the remainder of the game.

Despite the Thunder controlling the tempo and the lead for the majority of the game, they never led by more than nine.

Once again, free throws were the key for Oklahoma City in a close win. The Thunder hit all eight of their free throws in the fourth quarter and shot 84 percent for the game.

Point guard Russell Westbrook took over the scoring load in Durant and Green’s absence, leading all scorers with 31. He added six assists and four rebounds.

Forward Serge Ibaka continued his hot streak, adding 13 points and seven rebounds still starting in place of Jeff Green, who is still considered day-to-day with a sprained ankle.

Durant, who also has a sprained ankle, is considered day-to-day.

The Thunder’s bench players played a big role with several starters out.

Forward D.J. White added six points and five rebounds in 12 minutes. Guard Royal Ivey added six points and two boards, and guard Morris Peterson played in just his second game of the season.

The Thunder focused on stopping the league’s assist leader in Rajon Rondo, and were very successful doing so. Rondo, who was averaging 15 assists coming into the game and had just seven assists against Oklahoma City.

Oklahoma City (8-4) has been better on the road this season (4-1) than at home.

The Thunder will have a chance to keep that streak going as they head to Milwaukee for a Saturday tipoff at 7:30 p.m.