Thunder 15th Straight Win Highlights Their Rise To NBA Elite

On January 5, 2025, the Oklahoma City Thunder wrote a new chapter in their franchise’s history with their thunder 15th straight win. By defeating the Boston Celtics 105-92, they extended their winning streak to an unprecedented 15 games. This win wasn’t just about the streak—it also highlighted their dominance this season, improving their record to 30-5. While their NBA Cup loss to the Milwaukee Bucks was a temporary setback, it didn’t affect their regular-season standing, keeping their December 1 defeat as their most recent official loss.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Shines Again

The Thunder’s leader, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, delivered another stellar performance, proving once again why he’s one of the league’s most valuable players. He scored 33 points and pulled down 11 rebounds, dictating the pace from the opening tip. Within the first three and a half minutes, Gilgeous-Alexander scored nine points, giving the Thunder an early spark. His ability to step up in critical moments continues to be the foundation of Oklahoma City’s success.

Source: Thunder top Celtics for franchise-best 15th straight win

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Boston Starts Strong but Fades Late

The Celtics, led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, looked poised to challenge the Thunder. Tatum finished with 26 points and 10 rebounds, while Brown added 21 points in the first half. By halftime, Boston had flipped the game in their favor, leading 65-55. But their momentum didn’t carry into the second half. Brown went cold, missing all seven of his shot attempts in the final two quarters, and the Celtics struggled to sustain their offensive rhythm.

Thunder’s Second-Half Turnaround

Oklahoma City showed resilience in the second half, clawing their way back into the game. By the end of the third quarter, they had narrowed Boston’s lead to just four points. Early in the fourth, Jalen Williams hit two clutch free throws to put the Thunder ahead, 81-80, and they never looked back. Lu Dort stepped up in the closing minutes, hitting back-to-back three-pointers that extended their lead to 100-88 with under two minutes left. Dort finished with 11 points, all of which came in the fourth quarter, and was a key contributor to the Thunder’s win.

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Thunder 15th Straight Win Highlights Their Rise to NBA Elite

Celtics Struggle from Long Range

Boston’s downfall was their shooting, particularly from beyond the arc. They made only 9 of their 46 three-point attempts, finishing with a season-low 19.6% from deep. This marked their worst three-point shooting performance since coach Joe Mazzulla took over in the 2022-23 season. While the Celtics are known for their offensive firepower, they couldn’t overcome the Thunder’s stifling defense, which held them to just 20% shooting in the second half.

Oklahoma City’s Streak Signals Their Arrival Among the NBA’s Elite

The Thunder’s historic victory was a testament to their growth and determination this season. Led by Gilgeous-Alexander’s brilliance, Dort’s clutch shooting, and the team’s defensive intensity, Oklahoma City proved they belong among the league’s elite. As they continue to extend their streak, the Thunder are showing that this isn’t just a hot run—it’s a statement to the rest of the NBA.