BOSTON - The San Antonio Spurs are keeping a close eye on the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are currently 2.0 games ahead in the Western Conference standings. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder recently faced a setback with a 119-109 loss to the Boston Celtics, a game that highlighted the importance of maintaining their top position.
SGA on playing at TD Garden: “Every time you play a Boston Celtics, you get a playoff feel. No matter what day it is. No matter who’s out there.
— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) March 26, 2026
They’re super well-coached. They have really good players... It’s a game that you see where you really are and they test you. We got… pic.twitter.com/9BG0gRrqXa
Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized the critical nature of securing the No. 1 seed as the playoffs approach, especially considering last season's championship journey.
“It's crucial,” Gilgeous-Alexander explained. “We needed that Game 7 at home against Denver, who led the West.
Competing with them is essential if you want to come out on top. We also needed it against Indiana to clinch the championship.
Home court is everything.”
With just nine regular-season games left, the Thunder are gearing up for a pivotal five-game home stand, starting with Friday's clash against the Chicago Bulls. Following that, they’ll take on the New York Knicks and the Detroit Pistons in a back-to-back on Monday.
Reflecting on the Celtics game, Gilgeous-Alexander noted the playoff-like intensity, despite the loss. Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault pointed out the defensive lapses against Boston, while Gilgeous-Alexander acknowledged the challenge posed by their opponents.
“Facing the Boston Celtics always feels like a playoff game,” he remarked. “They’re well-coached with talented players.
They have a culture that demands excellence every night, regardless of who’s playing. They test you, and tonight, we didn’t pass.”
As the Thunder prepare to host the Bulls at the Paycom Center, they'll be looking to solidify their standing and continue their push for playoff success.