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 Taking on the challenge of going toe-to-toe with Russell Westbrook,
Smart shot 9-for-14 from the field and hauled in eight rebounds as
the intense guards battled for four quarters.
"That's the type of guy that Russ is," Smart told reporters. "He
loves challenges. He is going to try to do his best every time. And
vice versa with me. You put two guys like that going against each
other, obviously you're going to knock heads."
Boston guard Avery Bradley contributed well off the bench as the
visiting reserves torched Oklahoma City in the fourth quarter, the
Celtics (5-4) building an 11-point advantage and controlling the
game midway through the period.
Oklahoma City brought its starters back in but they lacked the
energy to contend with the scrappy Boston squad. They were beaten to
loose balls and rebounds and were just out-hustled as the Thunder
never got closer than 12 points the rest of the way.
Westbrook had a game-high 27 points on 5-of-20 shooting. He shot
2-for-10 from behind the three-point arc but was 15-for-17 from the
free-throw line.
Forward Serge Ibaka was the only other Thunder player to score in
double figures, finishing with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Center
Enes Kanter was held to eight points and two rebounds.
"I got no answers for that," Kanter said of his team's offensive
performance as the Thunder dropped to 6-4 overall, 1-1 without
injured forward Kevin Durant.
Boston guard Isaiah Thomas scored 20 points to go along with eight
assists. Center Jared Sullinger owned the glass, as he pulled down
15 boards. As a team, the Celtics out-rebounded the Thunder 47-34.
"We need to pick our intensity up physically," Westbrook added.
"Just wasn't ready."
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Close to where he played his college ball, Smart started the night
as if he were still representing Oklahoma State. He shot 4-for-6 in
the first quarter to knock in nine quick points.
"I think that he likes this gym," Boston coach Brad Stevens said.
"This is the gym he always shoots it well in, right? I think his
offense has really improved."
While Smart was attacking the basket, Westbrook was doing his damage
from the perimeter. He attempted five three-pointers in the first
eight minutes of the game. He entered the game averaging only five
three-pointers a game on the season.
Oklahoma City was able to build a 10-point lead with less than a
minute left in the first half but the Celtics cut the deficit down
to 52-45 by halftime.
The Celtics stormed all the way back in the third quarter to tie the
game at 72-72 as the visitors fed off a game-changing shift in
momentum.
(Editing by John O'Brien)
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