Kristaps Porzingis Calls Celtics Matchup vs. Thunder ‘A Great Experience'

The Oklahoma City Thunder ended the Boston Celtics six-game winning streak in an NBA Finals-worthy matchup.

Rob Greene | Jan 3, 2024

Kristaps Porzingis Calls Celtics Matchup vs. Thunder ‘A Great Experience' /

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Boston Celtics

In a thriller, the Boston Celtics had their six-game losing streak snapped to the Oklahoma City Thunder, 127-123. The matchup was full of high-level energy and momentum, heavily talent-filled with an incredible dynamic from both teams.

The Thunder took the lead by double-digits for a second time in the third quarter, as they were able to maintain a double-digit lead, getting up by as many as 18 to start the fourth. Boston came back and made it a game at the very end, and maybe they could have gone to overtime had Kristaps Porzingis corner three-pointer not had his foot on the line. Oklahoma City was just beating them in the hustle and energy plays and on the glass.

Porzingis continued his scorching play as of late with his 34 points, 10 rebounds, and two assists on 12-18 from the field with two threes. Jayson Tatum also had 30 points, 13 rebounds, and 8 assists on 10-21 shooting, while Derrick White had another 19 points with five triples.

After the game, Porzingis spoke about how this playoff-level matchup with high intensity was good for the Celtics and the new team's experience. The big man thought the Thunder had good control over the game, adding that they "sped them up."

Porzingis noted the Celtics' resiliency as well as the benefit of facing a team they might see in June.

"Overall, I think our effort was there," he said. "Even that, when they made that run, we kept fighting, and then we made our runs in the fourth and came back in the game. That's a talented young team, and I don't believe this was some fluke game for them. They've been playing really well; they're top of the west. Really good team to go up against, and really good experience for us."

Kristaps Porzingis says OKC matchup was "really good experience" for the C's pic.twitter.com/ejwcOUCtKP
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) January 3, 2024