WASHINGTON (AFP) — The Boston Celtics clinched the National Basketball Association’s best record this season and homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs following a 135-100 blowout over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Kristaps Porzingis scored 27 points and grabbed 12 rebounds while Jayson Tatum added 24 points and Jaylen Brown contributed 23 points for the Celtics, who improved to an Eastern Conference-best 60-16.
Minnesota and Denver are next best and share the Western Conference lead at 53-23.
Boston have six games remaining but are guaranteed to enjoy home-court advantage throughout the playoffs as they chase an NBA-record 18th league crown.
“You learn to appreciate the process,” Tatum said.
“All the while we want to hang a (championship) banner. We can’t skip steps. Winning 60-plus games and clinching the best record in the league, it’s a big deal.”
“But you’re going to have to win some games on the road regardless in the playoffs to do what you want to do.”
The Celtics, who last won the NBA Finals in 2008, were back home after a 4-2 road trip. They blew open the contest by outscoring Oklahoma City 42-17 in the fourth quarter.
“Feels great,” Tatum said.
