TITLE: Celtics Seize 46-39 Advantage Over Thunder Midway Through Second Quarter
SLUG: celtics-lead-thunder-mid-second-quarter-march-12-2026
CONTENT:
The Boston Celtics opened Thursday night’s matchup in Oklahoma City with sharp shooting and moved in front of the Thunder, 46–39, with 5:00 remaining in the second quarter.
Boston hit 51 percent of its first 37 attempts and went 6-for-16 from three-point range. Oklahoma City connected on 44 percent of its 32 shots and was 5-for-16 from deep. The Celtics were perfect at the foul line (2-for-2), while the Thunder converted 6 of 8 free throws.
Early leaders
Celtics: Jaylen Brown scored eight points on 3-of-8 shooting and was 2-for-2 at the stripe. Center Neemias Queta grabbed three rebounds. Payton Pritchard added seven points.
Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander paced Oklahoma City with 10 points, hitting 2 of 4 from the floor and 5 of 6 free throws. Forward Jaylin Williams had six points and one rebound.
Team comparison
Boston owned a 18-15 edge on the glass and had committed four turnovers, three fewer than the home team. The Celtics led for 56 percent of the action and built a game-high seven-point cushion.
Game details
The contest, played in Oklahoma City, is airing on Prime Video, NBC Sports Boston and FanDuel Sports Network Oklahoma. Sean Wright, Brian Forte and Natalie Sago are officiating.
Injury report
- Celtics: Derrick White (knee), Jayson Tatum (Achilles) and Nikola Vucevic (finger) are unavailable.
- Thunder: Branden Carlson (back), Jalen Williams (hamstring), Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) and Thomas Sorber (knee) remain sidelined.
The Thunder entered at 51-15, riding a six-game winning streak, while the Celtics brought a 43-22 record into the night.
Source: ESPN
