Oklahoma City Thunder clinched an early NBA playoff berth with 16 games still left in the season, following a thrilling 118-112 victory over the defending champions, the Boston Celtics.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a strong contender for the NBA MVP award, delivered a standout performance with 34 points, five rebounds, and seven assists in 39 minutes, further solidifying his case as one of the league’s top players.

The Thunder, who currently lead the Western Conference by 12 games, now join the Cleveland Cavaliers from the Eastern Conference in securing a playoff spot. Their win against 18-time NBA champions Boston was a major milestone in their pursuit of the franchise’s first NBA title.

Thunder Prove Their Championship Potential

“It’s huge,” Gilgeous-Alexander said after OKC improved their record to 54 wins and 12 losses.

“Because [the Celtics] have done what we’re trying to do, the games against them are always going to be heightened. They’re always going to be a little bit more exciting. There’s no better test in the NBA.”

Celtics Seek Improvement for Playoff Push

The Boston Celtics, now at 49-17, trail the Cavaliers (55-10) but remain in strong contention for the postseason.

Despite a 33-point performance from Jayson Tatum, Boston fell short and acknowledged the need to sharpen their game to defend their championship title successfully.

“Everybody has to play a little bit better,” Tatum said. “You’re playing against contending teams that are not really going to beat themselves. The little things – not fouling jump shooters, limiting live-ball turnovers – we just have to be a little bit better on.”

As the NBA playoffs approach, the Thunder continue to establish themselves as serious championship contenders, while the Celtics aim to fine-tune their performance for another deep postseason run.