If the Celtics were looking at last year’s standings, it’s possible that they didn’t circle January 2nd on their calendar this season. The Thunder finished 40-42 and we’re knocked out of the Play-In Tournament in a blowout to the Timberwolves.
But what a difference a year makes.
Entering Tuesday’s clash of the titans, Oklahoma City was 22-9 and coming off blowouts of the Western Conference 1-seed Minnesota and defending champion Denver. Eligibility discussions aside, Chet Holmgren is playing like a Rookie of the Year candidate and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is legitimately in the Most Valuable Player conversation.