The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Boston Celtics, 127-123, at Paycom Center on Tuesday night.

The marque matchup began as closely contested as expected with a competitive first half culminating with the Celtics holding a 61-58 halftime lead. However, the Thunder (23-9) roared back in the third by forging a 40-25 advantage during the period, and OKC managed to hang on via Josh Giddey and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander free throws after Boston closed to within two on multiple occasions late.

Kristaps Porzingis led the Celtics with a 34-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists and three blocks. Jayson Tatum produced 30 points, 13 boards, eight assists and one steal. Derrick White furnished 19 points, six assists, five rebounds, one steal and one block. Jaylen Brown delivered 15 points, six rebounds and three assists.

Gilgeous-Alexander paced the Thunder with 36 points, supplementing them with seven assists, six rebounds and one steal. Giddey contributed 23 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Jalen Williams managed 16 points, one rebound, one assist, three steals and two blocks. Chet Holmgren registered 14 points, seven assists, three rebounds and four blocks.

The Celtics return home to host the Utah Jazz on Friday night, while the Thunder pays a visit to the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night.