On January 5, 2025, the Boston Celtics witnessed their offensive struggles reach new heights during their matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder, ending with a disappointing 105-92 defeat. This loss marked not just another entry in the Celtics' recent difficulties but also highlighted some grim statistics, including scoring only 27 points in the second half—their lowest output since 2012—while shooting just 20% after halftime.
The Celtics initially showed promise, leading by 10 points at halftime. Kristaps Porzingis, who scored 19 points during the game, admitted, “I would say we didn’t play up to our level at all offensively in the second half,” acknowledging the team's failure to adjust their play. The Latvian forward noted issues with spacing, saying, “We just didn’t give each other enough space. Some stuff they played good defense on, and some we missed.” Porzingis’s sentiments encapsulate the team’s struggles, which were evident throughout their lethargic second-half performance.
The Thunder, on the other hand, demonstrated tenacity and skill, marking their 15th consecutive regular-season victory. The victory was spearheaded by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who put up 33 points. The Thunder displayed remarkable resilience, reversing what was at one point a 13-point deficit.
Despite the Celtics' early lead, the Thunder's strategic execution began to wear down the Boston squad. Offensively, the Celtics inhibited their own effectiveness by shooting only 9-of-46 (19.6%) from three-point range for the game, with disastrous figures such as 1-of-13 from beyond the arc during the third quarter. Disrupting the Celtics’ rhythm, Oklahoma City's defense proved formidable, holding their opponents to just 27 second-half points.
Post-game, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown echoed Porzingis's concerns about the team’s spacing and physicality. Tatum remarked, “Obviously, teams are scouting us and trying to disrupt us, and we just have to match the physicality for 48 minutes.” Brown added, “It’s just a lack of poise... we just have to adjust faster.” These reflections from key players highlight the Celtics' awareness of their shortcomings, but whether they can address these issues remains to be seen.
Coaching decisions also came under scrutiny following the game. Boston’s head coach Joe Mazzulla opted to stick mostly with his starters during the fourth quarter, which did not yield the desired results, as his five-man unit posted a poor -46.9 net rating. Mazzulla's choices to rotate lineups, such as spending more time with Luke Kornet on the court than the usual Sixth Man of the Year candidate Payton Pritchard, raised eyebrows when productivity stagnated.
Historical comparisons emerged post-game, with the Celtics’ second-half scoring recalling the franchise's lost days. The last time they faced such futility dates back to January 6, 2012, when they also struggled offensively against the Indiana Pacers, scoring merely 25 points during the second half of the game. The current slump points to broader issues affecting the team, especially when assessed against last year's formidable one. The Celtics had consistently finished last season with one of the NBA's best net ratings.
Even with the 105-92 loss, the Celtics maintain a commendable 26-10 record, putting them firmly second in the Eastern Conference. Yet, the performance against Oklahoma City raises significant questions about their offensive capabilities going forward. While they possess the talent to challenge for the title, the recent trend of inconsistency will need to be addressed to live up to the championship ambitions they entered the season with.
With key parts of the rotation stepping back, Aleksander’s Thunder presented themselves as serious contenders, setting the stage for possible playoff encounters. Boston's next steps should involve taking the criticisms to heart and adjusting their game plans to regain spacing and develop offensive synergy. The upcoming months will outline if this revered franchise can shake off the shortcomings showcased against OKC or if they will remain staggering on the path toward reclaiming last season's glory.