Thunder 105-92 Celtics game summary (Jan. 5, 2025)

(AP) – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 33 points and 11 rebounds, and the Oklahoma City Thunder pulled away to beat the Boston Celtics 105-92 on Sunday for their franchise-record 15th straight victory.

The Thunder, who improved to 30-5, have not lost a game that counts in the standings since December 1. Their loss to the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Cup final does not count against the team’s record.

Jayson Tatum had 26 points and 10 rebounds for the Celtics, current NBA champions. Jaylen Brown scored 21 points but failed to score any baskets in the second half, going 0-of-7 shooting.

Gilgeous-Alexander scored nine points in the first 3 1/2 minutes of the game to help the Thunder take an early lead, but Boston rallied to lead 65-55 at halftime.

The Thunder reduced the deficit to 80-76 at the end of the third quarter and regained the lead, 81-80, with a pair of free throws by Jalen Williams at the beginning of the quarter. The Thunder remained in control, and two consecutive three-pointers by Lu Dort they put the Thunder up 100-88 with just under two minutes left. Dort scored 11 points and made all three of his shots from beyond the arc in the fourth quarter.