With their triumphant 135-100 performance over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday, the Boston Celtics obtained the NBA's leading record and the privilege of playing all playoff matches at home. Back from a 4-2 road trip, the Celtics took control of the contest with a dominating fourth quarter, outscoring Oklahoma City by a significant margin of 42-17.
In a strong display of basketball prowess, Kristaps Porzingis netted 27 points and pulled down 12 rebounds for the Celtics. Jayson Tatum offered up 24 points and Jaylen Brown pitched in with 23 points to help them remain atop the Eastern Conference standings.
With several injured players, the Timberwolves managed to join the Denver Nuggets at the top of the Western Conference standings following their impressive 133-85 win against Toronto. Meanwhile, the Raptors suffered their 15th straight loss.
In the heated battle for supremacy in the Western Conference between Minnesota and Denver, where they both sport records of 53-33, the implications for the Celtics are significant. It means that the Boston squad, who last took home the NBA Finals trophy in 2008, will have the privilege of hosting more home games than any other team during their playoff journey as they pursue a remarkable 18th league championship.
Conference highlights
At present, the Celtics boast an impressive record of 60-16, placing them comfortably ahead of Minnesota (53-23) and Denver (53-33), who are currently tied for the Western Conference lead.
Milwaukee, hobbled by injuries to Damian Lillard, Khris Middleton, and Patrick Beverley, came up short against Memphis with a score of 111-101. Jaren Jackson Jr. propelled the Grizzlies to triumph by scoring 35 points, while GG Jackson chipped in 15 points and 12 rebounds.
LeBron James contributed 25 points plus seven rebounds and Anthony Davis topped that with 35 points and 18 rebounds. Their efforts powered the Los Angeles Lakers to a crucial 125-120 victory over Washington, maintaining their ninth position in the Western Conference with a record of 44-33.
Atlanta's Jalen Johnson achieved his first career triple-double, scoring 28 points, grabbing 13 rebounds, and dishing out 11 assists, leading the Hawks to a 121-113 victory over Detroit. Meanwhile, Malachi Flynn, who scored an NBA record-breaking 50 points off the bench for the Pistons in this game, came up just one point short of surpassing Jamal Crawford's mark from 2019.
In Orlando, Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner led the Magic to a 117-108 victory over New Orleans with their combined efforts of 56 points. It was a disappointing outcome for the Pelicans, as they lost despite CJ McCollum's notable 36-point contribution.
The tight race between Minnesota, Denver, and Boston
De'Andre Hunter, with 26 points, and Dejounte Murray who added 24 points, contributed significantly to the Hawks' victory over Detroit, securing their place in the Eastern Conference playoffs alongside Chicago. Meanwhile, Brooklyn's postseason hopes came to an end despite their 115-111 home victory against Indiana. Cam Thomas contributed 27 points, while rookie Noah Clowney achieved a season-high of 22 points off the bench.
By a mere three-point margin, Portland prevailed against Charlotte, thanks to Deandre Ayton's significant contribution of 24 points and 16 rebounds.
With only six games remaining, the playoff race in both conferences remains intense. Minnesota and Denver battle for the top spot in the West, while Boston aims to secure the best record in the league.
Steve Clifford, head coach of the Charlotte Hornets, has decided to resign from his position following the conclusion of the current season.
This is the appropriate time. I believe this is best for me and the organization.
Steve Clifford
This development comes as Boston looks set to secure home advantage in the playoffs with their impressive record, aiming to bring the NBA title back to Beantown for the first time since 2008.
