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Boston Celtics Channel Their Former Selves For Comeback Win vs Thunder, 101-95

By Denholm Harold

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - OCTOBER 25: Kyrie Irving #11 and Terry Rozier #12 of the Boston Celtics celebrate after the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 25, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - OCTOBER 25: Kyrie Irving #11 and Terry Rozier #12 of the Boston Celtics celebrate after the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 25, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics forward
Boston Celtics forward /

Defense Wins Championships:

The age-old basketball adage rang true tonight. For the Celtics to have realistic championship credentials this season, the defense needs to be as fiery as it was last season. The Celts have a bevy of athletic and versatile defenders who can handle several different assignments.

The defensive charge was led once again by Celtics fan favorite Marcus Smart, who switched onto much larger wings and handled his business effectively. At 4:37 in the opening term, Smart switched onto All-Star Paul George in the post, who, delighted at the thought of a mismatch and easy bucket on the smaller Smart, backed the guard down only to realize that no one has a mismatch against Marcus Smart, the shot promptly missed.

The Celtics came into tonight’s game on the back of their league-leading defense, and that defense held former MVP Russell Westbrook to only 13 points on 5 for 20 shooting. The Celtics’ rangy wings also kept Paul George from completely erupting, the star forward did lead the Thunder with 22 points but on an inefficient 7 for 22.

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