The Boston Celtics cruised to a 135-100 win over the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder on Wednesday night time to formally clinch the very best file within the NBA with almost two weeks remaining within the common season. That is the primary time the Celtics have achieved this feat since their most up-to-date championship season in 2008. 

“It’s extremely laborious to do. We might by no means be on this place once more,” Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla mentioned. “We talked about it as a group. We talked about it earlier than the sport, to attempt to deal with this sport because the clincher. To type of put that on ourselves to have the ability to do this. I feel it was vital for us to simulate that. … We must always take pleasure in it tonight, and when get up tomorrow, no person cares.”

Whereas the primary quarter of the sport was aggressive, the Celtics ultimately overwhelmed the shorthanded Thunder, who have been taking part in with out Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams. The Celtics led by double digits for giant parts of the competition and had seven completely different gamers rating in double figures. 

This was the Celtics’ sixtieth win, which prolonged their file of 60-win seasons to 14. The Lakers are second with 11 60-win seasons, and are the one different group in double figures in that class. 

Thirty-nine of the Celtics’ wins have come by double digits, together with 18 by at the least 20 factors, 9 by 30-plus and three by 50 or extra. They’re the one group in NBA historical past to have three 50-point wins in a single season, and are tied for the second-most 30-point victories in a single season. 

One other huge win pushed the Celtics’ internet score to plus-12.0, which is tied with the 1996-97 Chicago Bulls for the second-best internet score of all-time. Solely the 1995-96 Bulls, who gained 72 video games, stand above them. This is the place this season’s Celtics stand with a number of the greatest groups ever. 

Greatest internet rankings in NBA historical past

None of those stats concerning the Celtics’ dominance this season are any assure that they’ll finish their 16-year title drought, however they do present why they’re the betting favorites at +170 per Caesars Sportsbook. This group has the expertise and the expertise to win all of it, now they need to show it within the playoffs. 

“We’re not skipping any steps,” Jaylen Brown mentioned. “Sixty wins. I feel we’re on monitor. When the playoffs begin, it is again to sq. one.”