Celtics Trip Up Thunder, 92-83

Boston's defense stifled Thunder as Green sits out with ankle injury.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 12:01 pm

By: News On 6

Originally Published: Nov 7, 2010 8:45 PM CDT

Grant Belcher
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma City still has high expectations for the rest of the season, but on Sunday night, the Celtics displayed what it means to truly be a championship-caliber team.

Boston blew by the Thunder 92-83 at the Oklahoma City Arena with the help of a balanced scoring attack.

No Celtic scored more than 20, but nine Boston players had five or more points.

Kevin Durant led the Thunder with 34 points and six rebounds. He helped the Thunder out to an early lead when he finished a dunk with 2:40 in the first to give OKC a 19-16 lead.

But Boston went on a 12-2 run to end the quarter and never trailed again.

To add insult to injury, Boston’s Nate Robinson finished out the first half with a running buzzer beater from just inside half court to give the Celts a 58-37 halftime lead.

As usual, the young Thunder squad mustered a comeback. Guard James Harden hit a 3-pointer to start the fourth quarter to pull his team back to within six, but Boston’s veterans pulled away once again to control the rest of the game.

Russell Westbrook had 16 points and 10 assists, but also committed eight turnovers for the Thunder.

Starting power forward Jeff Green sat out of the game with a sprained ankle, and is considered day-to-day. He will have plenty of time to rest up, for the Thunder don’t play again until Wednesday at home against the Sixers.

Serge Ibaka started in place of Green and had eight points and 11 rebounds.