NEW YORK, 16 March 2025 (BSS/AFP) – Kristaps Porziņģis made a triumphant return from an eight-game absence due to illness, scoring 24 points to help the Boston Celtics edge past the Brooklyn Nets 115-113 on Saturday. Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a stunning 48-point performance to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to victory over the Detroit Pistons.
Jayson Tatum played a pivotal role for the reigning NBA champions, contributing 20 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, while Payton Pritchard provided a crucial spark off the bench with 22 points. Pritchard also made history, setting the NBA record for most three-pointers in a single season by a reserve player.
Porziņģis Finds His Rhythm
Despite a rusty start in Brooklyn, Latvian centre Porziņģis gradually regained his touch as the game progressed.
“At first, I felt a little out of rhythm,” he admitted. “The first few shots were a bit off, but as the game went on, I felt better and better. I’m just happy to be back.”
Boston’s bench hero, Pritchard, sank his record-breaking 219th three-pointer of the season in the fourth quarter. He finished the game shooting 7-of-11 from the field, including 5-of-8 from beyond the arc, and coolly converted three free throws in the final 8.2 seconds to secure the Celtics’ 13th win in their last 16 games.
With this victory, Boston improved to 49-19, remaining second in the Eastern Conference, eight games behind league leaders Cleveland.
Shai’s Scoring Brilliance Lifts Oklahoma
At Detroit, Gilgeous-Alexander continued his MVP-calibre season, leading all scorers with 48 points. The Canadian guard showcased his efficiency, making 17-of-26 shots from the field, including 4-of-6 from three-point range, and a perfect 10-of-10 from the free-throw line.
His all-around performance, which also included six assists, four rebounds, and three steals, powered the Western Conference-leading Thunder to a 113-107 win. Oklahoma City improved to 55-12, having won 18 of their last 21 games since the start of February.
Other Notable Performances Across the League
- In Memphis, Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 31 points, while Desmond Bane added 22 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists to lead the Grizzlies to a dominant 125-91 win over the Miami Heat.
- The Houston Rockets extended their winning streak to six games with a 117-114 triumph over the Chicago Bulls, led by Jalen Green’s 28 points and Alperen Şengün’s double-double of 24 points and 15 rebounds.
- Denver fell into a three-way tie for second in the West after a shock 126-123 home defeat to Washington (15-51). Despite Serbian superstar Nikola Jokić scoring 40 points with 13 rebounds and nine assists, the Wizards secured the upset with Alex Sarr’s 34-point display and Jordan Poole’s clutch three-pointer in the dying seconds.
- Greek forward Giannis Antetokounmpo guided the Milwaukee Bucks past the Indiana Pacers with a 34-point effort in a 126-119 win.
- Devin Vassell spearheaded a balanced attack for the San Antonio Spurs, leading them to a 119-115 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.
Warriors’ Kerr Becomes Franchise’s Winningest Coach
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr reached a historic milestone, surpassing Al Attles’ record of 557 regular-season wins, as the Warriors edged out the New York Knicks 97-94.
Stephen Curry led the charge with 28 points, sealing the victory with three clutch free throws in the final 14.1 seconds. The Warriors have now won seven straight games and 14 of their last 16.
“It’s incredible. I’m grateful to have been here for every single one of his wins,” said Draymond Green. “He’s a special guy and has made this a special place. We’re lucky to have such a winner leading us.”
Golden State has been in formidable form since the arrival of Jimmy Butler last month. The Warriors boast a 14-1 record when Butler plays, further strengthening their championship aspirations.
“With him on this team, whether he scores 11 or 30, he makes us a real ball club,” Green added. “And when we’re a real ball club, we usually win championships.”
Context and Additional Insight:
With the playoffs looming, the Celtics’ depth continues to be a significant advantage, particularly with key performances from bench players like Pritchard. Meanwhile, Oklahoma City’s rise under Gilgeous-Alexander reaffirms their credentials as serious title contenders.
Golden State’s resurgence under Kerr, fuelled by the acquisition of Butler, sets the stage for an exciting playoff battle in the Western Conference. As the season enters its final stretch, teams are jostling for crucial positioning, making every game more intense and consequential.
