The Boston Celtics rolled into Paycom Center on Thursday night with a chance to make a bold statement against the reigning champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder. The game was a nail-biter, ending with a narrow 104-102 loss for the Celtics as Payton Pritchard’s potential game-winning shot fell just short at the buzzer. Despite the defeat, the Celtics left Oklahoma with their heads held high.
“It was a phenomenal basketball game,” Pritchard shared after the close loss. “That's what happens when two great teams face off.”
Missing key players Jayson Tatum and Derrick White, the Celtics still managed to build a 12-point lead, the largest of the game. However, they struggled to contain Thunder guard and MVP contender Shai Gilgeous-Alexander when it counted. The reigning NBA Finals MVP lit up the fourth quarter with 14 points, including a clutch jumper that gave the Thunder a 102-100 edge with just 30 seconds left.
Jaylen Brown, leading the Celtics with 34 points, answered back with a jumper of his own. But Thunder center Chet Holmgren sealed the deal at the free-throw line, sinking both shots with a second remaining to put the Thunder ahead 104-102.
With time ticking away, Pritchard launched a desperate 3-point attempt from over 30 feet. The shot was on target but fell just short, grazing the front of the net as the buzzer sounded.
“We're just getting better and better,” Pritchard reflected in the locker room. “We're not viewing this as a failure.”
SGA. pic.twitter.com/08CBFBixJa
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) March 13, 2026
Pritchard, who contributed 14 points off the bench, had earlier nailed a buzzer-beating triple before halftime that fueled optimism for his final attempt. Despite the Celtics dropping back-to-back games for the first time in over two months, Pritchard recognized the team's impressive performance.
“We went toe-to-toe with them at their place,” he said. “It was a hard-fought game, and we’re going to improve from it.
Payton Pritchard was asked what he’s learning about some of the young Celtics coming off the bench:
— Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) March 13, 2026
“We’re not learning anything. You guys have already seen it. They come ready to play and play winning basketball. So it’s nothing new.”
“It’s what they do.”
Via @NBCSCeltics pic.twitter.com/SdgY33NiN2
There were about 10 possessions we could’ve executed better. I know I had a couple I wish I could redo.
You learn and get better.”
While Boston was without Tatum and White, the Thunder also missed Isaiah Hartenstein and 2025 All-Star Jalen Williams. Gilgeous-Alexander more than compensated, racking up a game-high 35 points in 39 minutes with a scorching 72.2% shooting from the field.
The Celtics didn’t let SGA’s dazzling performance overshadow their efforts. Contributions from players like Hugo Gonzalez, Ron Harper Jr., and Jordan Walsh kept them competitive.
“They come ready to play and play winning basketball,” Pritchard praised his young teammates. “It’s nothing new…It’s what they do.”
With a 43-23 record, the Celtics remain in second place in the Eastern Conference. After challenging matchups against the Spurs and Thunder, they’ll look to bounce back on Saturday night when they host the 16-49 Washington Wizards.