Celtics vs Oklahoma City Thunder Match Player Stats
The celtics vs oklahoma city thunder match player stats from March 13, 2026, tell the story of a closely contested NBA game that came down to a two-point difference. The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Boston Celtics 104-102 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 35 points, while Jaylen Brown delivered an outstanding 34-point performance for Boston. Both players carried major offensive responsibilities, but Oklahoma City found just enough scoring efficiency to secure the victory in front of 18,203 fans.
This matchup was particularly interesting because the Celtics and Thunder approached the game differently. Boston relied heavily on Brown’s scoring, rebounding opportunities, and ability to create offense. Oklahoma City benefited from Gilgeous-Alexander’s efficient shooting, Chet Holmgren’s contributions, and a more productive overall field-goal percentage. Although Boston made 13 three-pointers and converted 95% of its free throws, the Thunder’s 48% shooting from the field proved valuable.
The final result was not simply a story of one superstar outperforming another. It was a game shaped by shooting efficiency, late-game execution, possession management, and the contributions of supporting players. Examining the individual performances alongside the team statistics provides a clearer understanding of why Oklahoma City won and why Boston remained competitive until the final moments.
Game Overview: Boston Celtics vs Oklahoma City Thunder
The March 13 meeting brought together two teams with strong records and different offensive strengths. Boston entered the contest with a 43-23 record, including a 22-13 road record. Oklahoma City had an even stronger 52-15 overall record and a 28-7 home record.
The Thunder’s home-court advantage became an important part of the matchup, although the Celtics made them work for the win.
Match Details
| Category | Game Information |
| Game date | March 13, 2026 |
| Competition | NBA Regular Season |
| Venue | Paycom Center |
| Location | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma |
| Attendance | 18,203 |
| Final score | Thunder 104, Celtics 102 |
| Winning team | Oklahoma City Thunder |
| Losing team | Boston Celtics |
| Boston record | 43-23 |
| Oklahoma City record | 52-15 |
| Game status | Final |
Oklahoma City won by two points, making this one of those matchups where a small difference in execution had a major effect on the result.
Quarter-by-Quarter Score
The scoring pattern reveals how the game developed. Boston started strongly and maintained its advantage through the first three quarters. However, Oklahoma City produced its best relative performance in the fourth period.
| Quarter | Boston Celtics | Oklahoma City Thunder |
| First Quarter | 28 | 27 |
| Second Quarter | 31 | 29 |
| Third Quarter | 24 | 24 |
| Fourth Quarter | 19 | 24 |
| Final Score | 102 | 104 |
Boston scored 59 points during the first half, compared with Oklahoma City’s 56. Both teams scored 24 points in the third quarter, meaning the Celtics still carried a three-point advantage into the final period.
The fourth quarter changed the outcome.
Oklahoma City scored 24 points, while Boston managed only 19. That five-point difference was enough to overcome Boston’s earlier advantage and produce the Thunder’s two-point victory.
This final-period performance highlights an important part of basketball analysis: maintaining an advantage is different from finishing a game successfully. Boston had a productive opening three quarters, but Oklahoma City handled the closing period more effectively.
Celtics vs Oklahoma City Thunder Match Player Stats: Complete Player Analysis
Individual performances provide the strongest starting point for understanding this contest. Jaylen Brown and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander were the leading scorers for their respective teams, and both carried significant offensive responsibilities.
Brown finished with 34 points, while Gilgeous-Alexander recorded 35. Their scoring totals were separated by just one point, but the methods they used to reach those numbers were different.
Boston Celtics Player Performance
Jaylen Brown: 34 Points
Jaylen Brown was Boston’s leading scorer and its most important offensive contributor in this matchup.
His 34 points demonstrated his ability to take responsibility when the Celtics needed someone to create scoring opportunities. He also contributed six rebounds and seven assists, showing that his influence extended beyond putting the ball in the basket.
His individual shooting numbers were:
| Statistical Category | Jaylen Brown |
| Points | 34 |
| Field Goals | 10/25 |
| Field-Goal Percentage | 40% |
| Three-Pointers | 1/4 |
| Three-Point Percentage | 25% |
| Free Throws | 13/14 |
| Free-Throw Percentage | 92.9% |
| Rebounds | 6 |
| Assists | 7 |
| Turnovers | 6 |
Brown’s free-throw performance was one of the most productive parts of his offensive game. He converted 13 of his 14 attempts, allowing him to maintain a high scoring total despite shooting 40% from the field.
His seven assists also demonstrate his role as a playmaker. Boston did not depend on him exclusively as a finisher. He was also involved in creating opportunities for teammates.
However, his six turnovers deserve attention. Turnovers can become particularly costly in a close game because they remove potential scoring opportunities and may give the opposing team additional possessions.
Brown’s performance was excellent from a scoring perspective, but the combination of shooting efficiency and ball security explains why his individual production did not guarantee a Boston victory.
Payton Pritchard: 14 Points
Payton Pritchard finished with 14 points and provided an important scoring contribution alongside Brown.
His presence helped Boston avoid relying entirely on its leading scorer. In a game against a defensive team like Oklahoma City, secondary scoring is essential because opponents can adjust their defensive attention toward the primary offensive option.
Pritchard’s 14 points gave Boston another reliable scoring source.
His contribution was particularly relevant because the Celtics finished with 13 successful three-point shots. Perimeter scoring helped Boston remain competitive even though its overall field-goal percentage was lower than Oklahoma City’s.
Baylor Scheierman: 11 Points
Baylor Scheierman added 11 points for Boston.
Reaching double figures gave the Celtics another useful offensive contribution. His scoring helped distribute the workload and reduced some of the pressure on Brown.
Double-digit scoring from supporting players is important in competitive NBA games. When the leading scorer faces defensive pressure, the team needs other players who can take advantage of available opportunities.
Scheierman’s contribution helped Boston maintain offensive balance, although the overall team performance was not enough to secure the win.
Neemias Queta: 10 Rebounds
Neemias Queta was Boston’s leading rebounder with 10 total rebounds.
Rebounding was an important part of this game because Boston finished with 44 total rebounds, five more than Oklahoma City’s 39.
Queta’s contribution helped the Celtics compete physically around the basket. His rebounding also supported Boston’s ability to create additional offensive opportunities.
The Celtics recorded 12 offensive rebounds, demonstrating that they were capable of recovering missed shots and extending possessions.
However, rebounding advantages do not always translate into victories. Boston needed to convert more of those opportunities into efficient scoring, particularly during the fourth quarter.
Boston’s Starting Lineup
The Celtics’ listed starting five consisted of:
- Sam Hauser
- Neemias Queta
- Jaylen Brown
- Payton Pritchard
- Baylor Scheierman
This lineup featured a combination of perimeter shooting, scoring creation, and interior rebounding.
Brown provided the primary scoring threat, while Pritchard and Scheierman contributed additional offense. Queta offered interior size and rebounding, and Hauser added another perimeter option.
Boston’s Listed Bench Players
The available box-score information also listed these Boston players:
- Luka Garza
- Ron Harper Jr.
- Jordan Walsh
- Hugo Gonzalez
- Amari Williams
- Derrick White
- Max Shulga
The supplied statistical data does not provide individual point totals, minutes, rebounds, or shooting percentages for every bench player. Therefore, it would be misleading to assign specific performances to them.
The distinction between players listed on the roster and players with confirmed individual statistics is important when interpreting a box score.
Oklahoma City Thunder Player Performance
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 35 Points
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was Oklahoma City’s leading scorer and the most productive individual player in the game by total points.
His 35-point performance was especially impressive because he reached that total with efficient shooting.
His complete available statistical breakdown was:
| Statistical Category | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander |
| Points | 35 |
| Field Goals | 13/18 |
| Field-Goal Percentage | 72.2% |
| Three-Pointers | 2/5 |
| Three-Point Percentage | 40% |
| Free Throws | 7/8 |
| Free-Throw Percentage | 87.5% |
| Rebounds | 6 |
| Assists | 9 |
| Steals | 2 |
| Blocks | 3 |
The most impressive number is his field-goal percentage.
Gilgeous-Alexander converted 13 of 18 attempts, which represents approximately 72.2% shooting. That is an outstanding return for a player responsible for 35 points.
He also converted two three-pointers and seven free throws.
His nine assists were another major contribution. They demonstrate that he was not simply looking for his own scoring opportunities. He was also creating chances for teammates.
His defensive contribution was noteworthy as well. Two steals and three blocks gave him a strong statistical presence on both sides of the court.
This combination of scoring, passing, and defensive production explains why he was central to Oklahoma City’s success.
Ajay Mitchell: 15 Points
Ajay Mitchell contributed 15 points, making him an important secondary scorer for the Thunder.
His performance helped reduce the offensive burden on Gilgeous-Alexander.
This was particularly valuable because the Celtics had a high-scoring individual performance of their own. Oklahoma City needed contributions from multiple players to compete with Boston’s offensive production.
Mitchell’s 15 points provided that support.
His scoring also helped the Thunder maintain offensive pressure throughout the game rather than depending on one player to generate every important possession.
Chet Holmgren: 14 Points and 9 Rebounds
Chet Holmgren delivered a productive all-around performance with 14 points and nine rebounds.
His contribution was important because Oklahoma City needed to compete against Boston’s size and rebounding strength.
Holmgren’s nine rebounds made him the Thunder’s leading rebounder. He finished just one rebound short of a double-double.
His 14 points also provided valuable interior and perimeter scoring support.
The combination of scoring and rebounding made Holmgren one of the most influential supporting players in the matchup.
His presence helped Oklahoma City remain competitive around the basket, even though Boston finished with a five-rebound advantage overall.
Oklahoma City’s Starting Lineup
The Thunder’s listed starting lineup included:
- Chet Holmgren
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- Luguentz Dort
- Cason Wallace
- Ajay Mitchell
The lineup combined offensive creation, defensive pressure, perimeter support, and interior size.
Gilgeous-Alexander was the central offensive creator. Holmgren offered frontcourt scoring and rebounding, while Mitchell contributed additional points.
Dort and Wallace added perimeter options and defensive capabilities.
This combination gave Oklahoma City several ways to approach Boston’s defense.
Oklahoma City’s Listed Bench Players
The supplied box-score information listed the following Thunder bench players:
- Jaylin Williams
- Alex Caruso
- Isaiah Joe
- Aaron Wiggins
- Jared McCain
- Payton Sandfort
- Kenrich Williams
The available figures do not establish the individual statistical contributions of every reserve. Their names can be included when discussing the available roster information, but individual performances should not be assumed without verified box-score numbers.
Complete Team Statistics Comparison
Individual performances explain much of the game, but team statistics reveal why Oklahoma City finished ahead.
The Celtics had advantages in rebounding, three-point makes, free-throw accuracy, and steals. The Thunder, however, were more efficient from the field and recorded more assists.
These differences help explain the final result.
| Team Statistic | Boston Celtics | Oklahoma City Thunder |
| Points | 102 | 104 |
| Field Goals | 35/87 | 40/84 |
| Field-Goal Percentage | 40% | 48% |
| Three-Pointers | 13/42 | 11/44 |
| Three-Point Percentage | 31% | 25% |
| Free Throws | 19/20 | 13/17 |
| Free-Throw Percentage | 95% | 76% |
| Total Rebounds | 44 | 39 |
| Offensive Rebounds | 12 | 11 |
| Defensive Rebounds | 32 | 28 |
| Assists | 20 | 22 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 12 |
| Steals | 8 | 7 |
| Blocks | 4 | 4 |
| Personal Fouls | 18 | 18 |
Field-Goal Efficiency Favored Oklahoma City
The most significant statistical difference was field-goal efficiency.
Boston made 35 of 87 field-goal attempts, finishing at 40%. Oklahoma City converted 40 of 84 attempts, reaching 48%.
That eight-percentage-point difference reflects a meaningful gap in shooting effectiveness.
The Thunder made five more field goals despite attempting three fewer shots.
This is an important detail because it shows that Oklahoma City generated more successful scoring attempts without needing as many opportunities.
In basketball, a team can attempt more shots and still lose if it struggles to convert those attempts. Boston’s 87 attempts were not enough to overcome Oklahoma City’s more efficient shooting.
The Celtics also had a lower number of successful field goals despite collecting more rebounds. Their ability to recover missed shots created additional opportunities, but those opportunities did not produce enough points to change the outcome.
Three-Point Shooting: Boston Made More Shots
Boston converted 13 of its 42 three-point attempts, while Oklahoma City made 11 of 44.
This gave the Celtics a two-basket advantage from beyond the arc.
The difference is important because three-point shots provide additional scoring value. Boston managed to generate 39 points from its successful three-point attempts, compared with Oklahoma City’s 33.
However, the Celtics attempted 42 shots from long range and converted only 31%.
Oklahoma City shot 25% from three-point range, which was also relatively low.
Neither team was particularly dominant from beyond the arc, but Boston gained a small advantage in this category.
The Celtics’ three-point shooting helped keep the game competitive and prevented Oklahoma City from building a larger advantage.
Free-Throw Accuracy Gave Boston Another Advantage
Free-throw shooting was another category where Boston performed better.
The Celtics converted 19 of 20 attempts, giving them a 95% success rate.
Oklahoma City made 13 of 17 attempts, finishing at approximately 76%.
Boston therefore scored six more points at the free-throw line.
This difference is especially interesting because the Thunder still won the game.
It demonstrates that a team can lose individual statistical categories and still win through stronger overall execution.
Boston’s excellent free-throw accuracy kept its scoring total close to Oklahoma City’s. However, the Celtics could not completely compensate for their lower field-goal efficiency.
Rebounding: Boston Controlled the Boards
Boston recorded 44 rebounds, compared with Oklahoma City’s 39.
The five-rebound difference gave the Celtics a measurable advantage in this category.
The breakdown was:
| Rebounding Category | Boston | Oklahoma City |
| Offensive Rebounds | 12 | 11 |
| Defensive Rebounds | 32 | 28 |
| Total Rebounds | 44 | 39 |
Boston’s 12 offensive rebounds were particularly valuable because offensive rebounds create additional scoring opportunities.
Neemias Queta’s 10 rebounds helped lead the Celtics in this area.
Chet Holmgren recorded nine rebounds for Oklahoma City, making him the Thunder’s leading player on the boards.
Although Boston won the overall rebounding battle, the difference did not translate into a victory.
The Celtics needed to turn more of their second-chance opportunities into successful shots.
Assists: Oklahoma City Shared the Ball More Effectively
The Thunder recorded 22 assists, while Boston finished with 20.
The difference was small, but it reflects Oklahoma City’s slightly higher total of assisted scoring opportunities.
Gilgeous-Alexander contributed nine assists, accounting for a substantial portion of the team’s total.
His ability to combine individual scoring with passing created a difficult defensive challenge for Boston.
When a leading scorer can finish possessions and create opportunities for teammates, the opposing defense has fewer options for limiting the offense.
Boston also had a strong playmaking performance from Brown, who recorded seven assists.
However, Oklahoma City’s two-assist advantage suggests that the Thunder had slightly more success distributing the ball.
Turnovers: Both Teams Had the Same Number
Both teams committed 12 turnovers.
This means neither side had a statistical advantage in total turnovers.
The Celtics needed to protect the ball more effectively, particularly because Brown accounted for six turnovers.
However, the team-level figures show that Oklahoma City also gave away 12 possessions.
The difference was therefore not simply about one team avoiding mistakes. It was about what each team accomplished with its available scoring opportunities.
Defensive Statistics
Boston recorded eight steals, one more than Oklahoma City.
Both teams finished with four blocks.
These numbers indicate that the defensive battle was relatively balanced in terms of the major recorded categories.
However, steals and blocks do not capture every aspect of defense.
Defensive positioning, contested shots, communication, switching, and forcing difficult attempts can influence a game without appearing directly in the box score.
Oklahoma City’s ability to limit Boston to 40% field-goal shooting was particularly important.
Even though Boston had more rebounds and steals, the Thunder’s defensive effort helped reduce the Celtics’ overall scoring efficiency.
Why the Oklahoma City Thunder Defeated the Boston Celtics
The final score was separated by just two points, so the outcome deserves a closer examination.
Several statistical factors explain how Oklahoma City secured the victory.
1. Better Overall Shooting Efficiency
The biggest advantage for Oklahoma City was its field-goal percentage.
The Thunder converted 48% of their shots, while Boston finished at 40%.
That difference helped Oklahoma City generate more points from its field-goal attempts.
The Celtics made more three-pointers and free throws, but the Thunder were more productive across their overall field-goal attempts.
This was a major reason the final score favored the home team.
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Delivered an Efficient Scoring Performance
Gilgeous-Alexander scored 35 points on 13-of-18 shooting.
His efficiency was especially valuable because he did not need an unusually high number of attempts to reach his scoring total.
He also contributed nine assists, six rebounds, two steals, and three blocks.
That level of all-around production helped Oklahoma City remain effective in multiple areas.
His performance was not limited to scoring. He also helped create opportunities for teammates and contributed defensively.
3. Oklahoma City Won the Fourth Quarter
The fourth quarter was the decisive period.
Boston entered the final quarter with a three-point lead after outscoring Oklahoma City during the first half.
However, the Thunder scored 24 points in the fourth quarter, compared with Boston’s 19.
The five-point difference was enough to erase Boston’s advantage.
This demonstrates why late-game performance deserves special attention when analyzing close NBA contests.
A team can perform well for three quarters and still lose if it cannot maintain its offensive rhythm during the closing minutes.
4. Supporting Players Made Important Contributions
Ajay Mitchell scored 15 points, while Chet Holmgren added 14.
Their combined 29 points provided valuable support for Gilgeous-Alexander.
Boston also received useful contributions from Pritchard and Scheierman, who combined for 25 points.
However, Oklahoma City’s supporting scorers helped maintain a balanced offensive attack alongside its leading player.
The ability to receive contributions from multiple players can become especially important when the game is close and defenses focus on the primary scorer.
5. The Thunder Made Better Use of Their Field-Goal Attempts
Oklahoma City attempted 84 field goals and made 40.
Boston attempted 87 and made 35.
The Thunder therefore converted five additional field goals despite taking three fewer attempts.
This difference is a useful reminder that the number of shots taken does not automatically indicate offensive success.
Shot quality and conversion rates matter just as much.
Why the Boston Celtics Lost Despite Jaylen Brown’s 34 Points
Boston’s defeat was not the result of an unsuccessful individual performance from Brown.
He scored 34 points, collected six rebounds, and recorded seven assists.
Those numbers demonstrate that he was heavily involved in the Celtics’ offensive production.
However, there were several areas where Boston could have performed better.
Lower Field-Goal Percentage
Boston’s 40% field-goal percentage was the most obvious weakness.
The Celtics attempted three more shots than Oklahoma City but made five fewer field goals.
That difference had a direct impact on the final score.
Boston’s three-point and free-throw performances helped compensate for its lower field-goal efficiency, but not enough to secure the win.
Turnovers From the Primary Scorer
Brown recorded six turnovers.
For a player handling such a large share of the offense, turnovers can have a significant effect.
Every lost possession represents an opportunity that cannot be used to score.
In a two-point game, protecting the basketball becomes particularly important.
This does not mean Brown was responsible for the defeat. His scoring and playmaking were major reasons Boston remained competitive.
However, the turnover figure highlights an area that could have been improved.
Fourth-Quarter Scoring Decline
Boston scored only 19 points in the fourth quarter.
After producing 59 points in the first half, the Celtics were unable to maintain the same scoring output late in the game.
The Thunder scored 24 during the final period, reversing the earlier scoring pattern.
A five-point fourth-quarter disadvantage was enough to determine the winner.
Rebounding Did Not Produce a Winning Advantage
Boston won the rebounding battle 44-39.
It also recorded 12 offensive rebounds.
These figures demonstrate that the Celtics competed effectively on the boards.
However, the team needed greater scoring efficiency to turn its rebounding advantage into a larger scoreboard advantage.
Second-chance opportunities only become valuable when teams convert them into points.
The Key Statistical Matchup: Jaylen Brown vs Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
The individual comparison between Brown and Gilgeous-Alexander was one of the most interesting aspects of the game.
Both players finished with more than 30 points, but their statistical profiles were different.
| Category | Jaylen Brown | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander |
| Points | 34 | 35 |
| Field Goals Made | 10 | 13 |
| Field-Goal Attempts | 25 | 18 |
| Three-Pointers Made | 1 | 2 |
| Three-Point Attempts | 4 | 5 |
| Free Throws Made | 13 | 7 |
| Free-Throw Attempts | 14 | 8 |
| Rebounds | 6 | 6 |
| Assists | 7 | 9 |
| Turnovers | 6 | Not supplied |
| Steals | Not supplied | 2 |
| Blocks | Not supplied | 3 |
Scoring Comparison
The difference in total scoring was just one point.
Brown recorded 34, while Gilgeous-Alexander scored 35.
However, Gilgeous-Alexander made 13 field goals compared with Brown’s 10.
Brown made up much of that difference at the free-throw line, where he converted 13 attempts.
This demonstrates two different scoring approaches.
Brown generated a substantial portion of his production through free throws, while Gilgeous-Alexander scored more efficiently from the field.
Shooting Efficiency Comparison
Gilgeous-Alexander converted approximately 72.2% of his field-goal attempts.
Brown finished at 40%.
The difference was substantial.
Brown attempted seven more field goals but made three fewer shots.
This does not reduce the value of Brown’s 34 points. It does, however, explain why Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring performance was more efficient.
Playmaking Comparison
Brown recorded seven assists, while Gilgeous-Alexander finished with nine.
Both players were important playmakers.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s two additional assists helped support Oklahoma City’s offensive distribution.
Brown also played an important role in creating scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Overall Impact
The statistical comparison suggests that Gilgeous-Alexander had the more efficient all-around performance.
Brown’s scoring was essential for Boston, but Gilgeous-Alexander combined higher scoring with better shooting efficiency, more assists, and recorded defensive contributions.
That distinction is important when evaluating individual performances in a close game.
Important Tactical Lessons From the Matchup
The statistical differences between these teams provide several useful lessons about how modern NBA games are decided.
Offensive Balance Is More Important Than One Scoring Category
Boston had advantages in three-point makes and free-throw accuracy.
Oklahoma City had the advantage in overall field-goal efficiency.
This shows why evaluating only one shooting category can create an incomplete picture of a basketball game.
A team may make more three-pointers but still struggle to score efficiently across its entire offense.
The Thunder’s ability to convert a higher percentage of their field-goal attempts helped offset Boston’s advantages elsewhere.
Second-Chance Opportunities Need Efficient Finishing
Boston recorded more offensive rebounds than Oklahoma City.
The Celtics had 12 offensive rebounds, compared with 11 for the Thunder.
This gave Boston opportunities to extend possessions and potentially increase its scoring total.
However, offensive rebounds are only one part of the equation. Teams must convert those additional opportunities into successful shots.
Boston’s 40% overall field-goal percentage suggests that its offensive possessions were not consistently producing the desired results.
Playmaking Helps Reduce Defensive Pressure
Both teams had productive individual playmakers.
Brown recorded seven assists, and Gilgeous-Alexander produced nine.
Good playmaking forces defenders to consider multiple offensive threats rather than concentrating entirely on one scorer.
Oklahoma City’s 22 assists also reflected its slightly higher team total in this category.
When a team distributes the ball effectively, it becomes more difficult for opponents to predict where the next scoring opportunity will come from.
Closing Quarters Require a Different Approach
The final quarter often demands more careful decision-making than the opening periods.
Defenses become more focused, possessions become increasingly important, and teams have less time to recover from mistakes.
Boston’s 19 fourth-quarter points were not enough to protect its earlier advantage.
Oklahoma City’s 24 points made the difference.
The result demonstrates the importance of maintaining offensive discipline and defensive concentration throughout all four quarters.
How to Read an NBA Box Score Correctly
A box score is more than a collection of points, rebounds, and assists. It provides a statistical record that helps readers understand how a game unfolded.
For anyone researching individual performances, several categories deserve particular attention.
Points
Points represent a player’s direct scoring contribution.
However, scoring totals should be evaluated alongside shooting attempts and efficiency.
For example, Brown’s 34 points and Gilgeous-Alexander’s 35 points look almost identical at first glance.
Their shooting percentages reveal a much larger difference in how efficiently those points were produced.
Field Goals Made and Attempted
Field goals include successful two-point and three-point shots.
The field-goal percentage is calculated by dividing successful field goals by total field-goal attempts and multiplying by 100.
For example, Gilgeous-Alexander converted 13 of 18 attempts:
\[ \frac{13}{18}\times100=72.2\% \]
This provides a more useful measure of shooting efficiency than points alone.
Three-Point Percentage
Three-point percentage measures the proportion of successful shots taken from beyond the three-point line.
Boston converted 13 of 42 attempts, while Oklahoma City made 11 of 44.
This statistic helps explain how teams use perimeter shooting to generate additional scoring value.
Rebounds
Rebounds are divided into offensive and defensive categories.
- Offensive rebounds occur when a team recovers the ball after missing its own shot.
- Defensive rebounds occur when a team secures possession after an opponent misses.
Boston’s 44 total rebounds demonstrate its advantage in this area.
Queta’s 10 rebounds were particularly important to the Celtics’ interior performance.
Assists
An assist is credited when a player makes a pass that directly leads to a teammate’s successful field goal, subject to official statistical scoring rules.
Assists help measure playmaking and offensive cooperation.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s nine assists were a major part of his contribution.
Turnovers
Turnovers represent lost possessions.
They can occur through inaccurate passes, offensive fouls, traveling violations, or other possession-ending mistakes.
Boston and Oklahoma City both recorded 12 turnovers.
Steals and Blocks
Steals measure defensive actions that result in gaining possession from the opponent.
Blocks record defensive plays in which a player legally deflects or stops an opponent’s shot.
Oklahoma City and Boston recorded four blocks each, while Boston had a one-steal advantage.
Plus/Minus
Plus/minus measures the team’s point differential while a particular player is on the court.
A positive number means the player’s team outscored its opponent during those minutes. A negative number means the opponent scored more.
It is important not to interpret plus/minus as an individual measurement of talent. Teammates, opponent lineups, substitutions, and game situations all influence the figure.
The supplied statistics do not include individual plus/minus values, so no player-specific figures should be assumed.
What the Match Reveals About Both Teams
Oklahoma City Thunder: Efficient Offense and Multiple Contributors
The Thunder’s performance demonstrated the value of combining efficient shooting with balanced scoring.
Gilgeous-Alexander was the leading offensive force, but he did not work alone.
Mitchell added 15 points, and Holmgren contributed 14 points and nine rebounds.
The team’s 48% field-goal percentage was particularly important.
Although Oklahoma City struggled from three-point range, its overall shooting performance was more productive than Boston’s.
The Thunder also finished with more assists, indicating a small advantage in ball distribution.
Their fourth-quarter performance completed the job.
Boston Celtics: Strong Individual Scoring and Rebounding
Boston had several positive statistical results.
Brown scored 34 points and recorded seven assists. Pritchard and Scheierman both reached double figures, while Queta collected 10 rebounds.
The Celtics also:
- Won the total rebounding battle.
- Made two more three-pointers.
- Converted six more free throws.
- Recorded one additional steal.
- Committed the same number of turnovers as Oklahoma City.
These are meaningful positives.
However, the 40% field-goal percentage and fourth-quarter scoring decline were significant weaknesses.
Boston demonstrated that it could compete with Oklahoma City, but it needed more consistent shooting to turn that performance into a victory.
Season Matchup Information and Statistical Context
The supplied matchup information also contains details about another Celtics-Thunder meeting scheduled for March 26, 2026.
The provided season matchup entries are:
| Matchup | Date | Reported Result |
| Game 1 | March 13, 2026 | Thunder 104, Celtics 102 |
| Game 2 | March 26, 2026 | Thunder 119, Celtics 109 |
According to the supplied figures, Oklahoma City also won the second listed meeting by 10 points.
However, there is an important data discrepancy: the supplied matchup summary separately describes the season series as Oklahoma City leading 1-0.
That summary does not agree with the two reported results, which would indicate two Oklahoma City victories if both entries are final regular-season results.
Therefore, the season-series record should not be presented as definitively verified without checking the March 26 game record.
For an article focused on the March 13 contest, the most reliable approach is to keep the 104-102 result separate from the unresolved season-series summary.
Where to Watch and Follow the Game
The supplied coverage information lists:
- Prime Video
- NBC Sports Boston
- Additional listed broadcast coverage
Broadcast availability can depend on the viewer’s location, subscription, and regional restrictions.
For readers interested in reviewing the actual statistical record, the ESPN box score provides the relevant game reference.
Other game-related information can include play-by-play records, matchup statistics, and game recaps. These resources are useful for understanding individual possessions and comparing the final statistical totals.
The listed referees for the matchup were Sean Wright, Brian Forte, and Natalie Sago.
Statistical Accuracy and Limitations
Accurate basketball reporting requires separating confirmed statistics from assumptions.
The available information provides detailed team totals and several individual performances, but it does not include every player’s complete box-score line.
For example, individual minutes, shooting percentages, plus/minus values, and complete bench statistics have not been supplied for every player.
It would be inappropriate to invent those numbers simply to make the analysis appear more comprehensive.
There are also differences between team-level and player-level statistics that should be handled carefully.
A team’s total assists, rebounds, or turnovers cannot automatically be attributed to its leading player.
Similarly, a player’s individual contribution should not be estimated by subtracting another player’s figures from the team total unless all relevant individual statistics are available.
Another important consideration is that field-goal percentages displayed in box-score summaries may be rounded. Calculations based on made and attempted shots can therefore produce slightly different decimal results.
For this analysis, the March 13 team totals and individual figures supplied in the game data form the basis of the discussion. The separate season-series inconsistency has been identified rather than silently corrected.
This approach makes the analysis more useful because readers can distinguish the actual reported game figures from information that still requires confirmation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who won the Celtics vs Oklahoma City Thunder game on March 13, 2026?
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Boston Celtics 104-102 on March 13, 2026, at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. The Thunder secured the two-point victory after outscoring Boston 24-19 in the fourth quarter.
2. Who was the leading scorer for the Celtics?
Jaylen Brown was Boston’s leading scorer with 34 points. He also recorded six rebounds and seven assists. Brown converted 10 of 25 field-goal attempts and made 13 of his 14 free throws.
3. How many points did Shai Gilgeous-Alexander score against Boston?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 35 points for Oklahoma City. He also recorded nine assists, six rebounds, two steals, and three blocks. He converted 13 of 18 field-goal attempts.
4. Which team had more rebounds?
The Boston Celtics won the rebounding battle with 44 total rebounds, compared with 39 for Oklahoma City. Neemias Queta led Boston with 10 rebounds, while Chet Holmgren led the Thunder with nine.
5. Why did Oklahoma City win despite making fewer three-pointers?
Oklahoma City compensated for making fewer three-pointers by shooting more efficiently overall. The Thunder converted 48% of their field-goal attempts, compared with Boston’s 40%. Their five-point advantage in the fourth quarter also helped secure the victory.
6. How many assists did Shai Gilgeous-Alexander record?
Gilgeous-Alexander recorded nine assists. His playmaking helped Oklahoma City create scoring opportunities for other players while maintaining his own offensive production.
Conclusion
The March 13, 2026, meeting between the Boston Celtics and Oklahoma City Thunder demonstrated how small statistical differences can determine the outcome of a competitive NBA game. Oklahoma City secured a 104-102 victory through efficient shooting, strong individual performances, and better execution in the fourth quarter.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 35 points, nine assists, and six rebounds. His 13-of-18 field-goal performance was one of the most impressive aspects of the contest. Chet Holmgren added 14 points and nine rebounds, while Ajay Mitchell contributed 15 points.
Boston also had outstanding individual performances. Jaylen Brown finished with 34 points, seven assists, and six rebounds. Payton Pritchard scored 14 points, Baylor Scheierman added 11, and Neemias Queta collected 10 rebounds.
The team statistics reveal why the result favored Oklahoma City. Boston performed better in rebounding, three-point makes, free-throw accuracy, and steals. However, the Thunder produced a higher field-goal percentage and recorded more assists.
The most decisive difference came in the final quarter, when Oklahoma City scored 24 points against Boston’s 19. That late scoring advantage overturned the Celtics’ earlier lead and delivered the victory.
Ultimately, the celtics vs oklahoma city thunder match player stats highlight the importance of shooting efficiency, supporting contributions, ball movement, and late-game execution. Both teams demonstrated considerable offensive ability, but Oklahoma City’s more efficient overall performance made the difference in this closely contested matchup.
