Thunder Wins Summer League Opener over Celtics

Oklahoma City scored a come-from-behind victory over Boston in the Summer League.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 11:49 am

By: News On 6

Thunder Wins Summer League Opener over Celtics

Originally Published: Jul 5, 2010 6:56 PM CDT

Gerald Goodridge
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

ORLANDO, Florida -- Despite starting the game slowly, the Oklahoma City Thunder won its first game of the 2010 NBA Summer League Monday 87-82 over the Boston Celtics.

The Celtics outscored Oklahoma City 27-12 in the opening quarter, but the defense matched pace with the offense in the second, limiting Boston to 20, while scoring 20 to trail 47-32 at half.

After outscoring the Celtics by six points in the third quarter to close the deficit to single digits, the Oklahoma City defense buckled down and kept the Celtics’ offense in check.

Through the first half of the closing quarter, Oklahoma City outscored Boston 10-4. When that run extended to 16-6, the Thunder took the lead 77-76.

Oklahoma City continued its dominance throughout the fourth quarter and finished the quarter outscoring the Celtics 26-12.

The Thunder’s Byron Mullens led all scorers with 24 points and grabbed seven rebounds, while James Harden added 19 points and four steals. Rookie Luke Harangody led Boston with 23 points, while Oliver Lafayette scored 14 and dished out five assists.

Oklahoma City will play its next Summer League game at 2 p.m. Tuesday against the Charlotte Bobcats.