A reality check for the defending champs
Boston hit a big one. The Celtics downed the Oklahoma City Thunder — the current NBA champions — with three weeks to go before the playoffs. The New York Knicks are breathing down their necks after seven straight wins, but Boston answered by beating the regular season’s top team. Oklahoma City had been on fire, though: 12 wins running, last loss on February 25.
A needed response against a heavyweight
Jaylen Brown carried the load with 31 points. He didn’t hide his pride and called it a must-win. Boston had been shaky against top teams, dropping matches to Oklahoma City, San Antonio and Minnesota, and for three weeks had only beaten low-ranked sides. Coach Joe Mazzulla picked the game apart — the team imposed its physicality, the offense actually executed, and the defense lifted its level.
Next test: Atlanta
The game’s intensity already felt like playoff basketball. Brown stressed the physical fight and grabbing space — the kind of athletic work that’ll decide series in May. The staff are already onto Friday: Boston heads to Atlanta, a real test. The Hawks are red-hot, 14 wins in their last 15, and Mazzulla wants the same tactical focus next time out.
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