Boston Celtics 5th quarter: Al Horford, Kyrie Irving storm comeback vs. Thunder
The Boston Celtics extended their winning streak to seven games Friday night with a 101-94 comeback victory over the Thunder in Oklahoma City.
Down 18 points heading into the second half of the game, the Boston Celtics leaned on Kyrie Irving and Al Horford to storm back in a 101-94 victory over Russell Westbrook, Paul George, Carmelo Anthony and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
In this game, the Celtics big two outperformed OKC’s new big 3 in the most impressive victory of the season. In extending their winning streak to seven games, both Horford and Irving found their scoring touch in the second half.
Irving, who was quiet in the first half, scored 22 of his 25 points down the stretch. Combined with Horford, the veteran duo went a combined 10-of-12 from the field and Horford knocked down all five 3-pointers he made. The clutch level of these two, combined with the defensive intensity the entire team displayed during the 18-point comeback makes this team fun to watch.
It was also fun to watch young players like Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Semi Ojeleye contribute with big plays offensively and defensively. These are the types of game that will turn these young men into young studs immediately.
Overall, it was a game that once again displayed the coaching magnificence of Brad Stevens and the amount of fight this team has and continues to develop.
"“I think that we just all challenged each other to just come out and play hard, to be better. And we did that,” said Horford, who scored 20 points in the game. “We could have easily kind of folded, but it shows character. Our guys came out and kept fighting. We didn’t make excuses. You know, I’m just proud of the group. We responded the right way.”More from Chowder and Champions3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster DeadlineMLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 SeasonRed Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win"
With the character victory, the Boston Celtics now have the best record in the NBA at 7-2. Yes, the same team who started the season at 0-2 following the loss of one of their star players.
What was said after the game
Along with the hot shooting of Al Horford, Kyrie Irving once again proved just how clutch he is. He did it with scoring, passing and once again helped his team battle in a game that wasn’t pretty.
"“It was an ugly first half. It wasn’t the prettiest for us. And we understand that,” said Irving, as transcribed by ESPN. “We don’t want to get in the habit of that, kind of getting down by 18, understanding that against a good team like that, it could turn into 30 in a matter of an instant. So we battled. We took away some things that they were feeling comfortable with in the first half and picked up our pace and our defensive pressure. And then things started going our way and then we just kept battling to the end.”"
Next: Boston Celtics: ‘Average Al’ Horford playing big time elite
Next up, the Orlando Magic
The Boston Celtics travel to Orlando to take on Aaron Gordon and the Orlando Magic Sunday night. The team will look to increase their winning streak to eight consecutive games.