Game Grades: OKC Thunder continue to prove they belong in win over Celtics
By Ivan White
![Jan 2, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) blocks a Jan 2, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) blocks a](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_5084,h_2859,x_0,y_156/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/157/01hk70exwzfhmvh5gqbs.jpg)
Grading the OKC Thunder's best bench performer:
Jaylin Williams, F, OKC Thunder: A
It’s safe to say that Williams deserved some run in the first half, too.
The second-year forward did not enter the game until late in the third quarter and only played eight minutes, but his time on the floor was critical to Oklahoma City winning.
Williams scored five points on two important buckets. One was a 3-pointer, and the other was a push shot inside as the Thunder looked to take down the NBA’s best.
He matched up well with Al Horford and was able to bring down two rebounds when he was on the court.
Grading the best Celtic:
Kristaps Porzingis, F, Boston Celtics: A
For a long while, Porzinigs was the only one able to make something happen for Boston. He nailed some shots early on his way to 12 first-quarter points.
He remained a key player for the Celtics throughout the night and finished as their leading scorer with 34. Porzinigs also added 10 rebounds and three blocks.
Most impressive was how he got those rebounds. Six of his boards came on the offensive glass, an area the Thunder have struggled mightily all season. Although it did not cost them the game, Porzingis’ size was a reminder of what the Thunder will have to deal with in any postseason matchup.
Next. Jordan Walsh dishes on what an OKC Thunder predraft workout is like. Exclusive: Jordan Walsh dishes on Thunder predraft workout. dark