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Boston Celtics: 3 Keys to Beat the Oklahoma City Thunder and Get Back on Track

By Thomas King

With center Aron Baynes still out with an injury, the Boston Celtics will need to bang on the boards to win Thursday. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
With center Aron Baynes still out with an injury, the Boston Celtics will need to bang on the boards to win Thursday. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrooks tried to finish in the paint.
The Boston Celtics will need to slow down Russell Westbrook to have a chance to win in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Who Will Guard Russell Westbrook?

After missing the first two games due to injury, Russell Westbrook returned to play for the Thunder and scored 32 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and dished out 8 assists. Like he’s done to most opponents, Westbrook has cooked the Celtics in the past which raises the question: who will guard Westbrook for Boston?

Earlier this week, Kyrie Irving admitted to ‘coasting’ at times on the defensive end throughout his career, but pledged he will focus on giving 100 percent effort on defense this season in his quest to lead Boston to a title.

Will Irving match up with Westbrook to start the game? It would certainly show his commitment to defense, but Westbrook is a tough cover for a skinny guard like Irving. Boston may be better off starting Jaylen Brown on Westbrook, and slotting Irving on a lesser perimeter threat.

Look for former Oklahoma State Cowboy Marcus Smart to see a lot of time matching up with Westbrook. Smart is one of the only players in the league with the foot speed and the physicality to somewhat stay in front of Westbrook, and has had some success in the past with this matchup.

Next. NBA Power Rankings: Boston Celtics Rank in Top 5. dark

Terry Rozier may also get his turn at the former MVP, while the bigs will super important at slowing down Westbrook both in the pick-and-roll game and in transition attacks. How Boston fares against Westbrook could be a big factor in who wins the game and rebounds from a tough start to the season.

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