The Celtics acknowledged the talent of the Thunder after the game, praising how they played. Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis didn't shy away from the challenge of playing a team

Boston's center, who has been slowed by injuries this year, struggled with his fellow starters Sunday in a loss at Oklahoma City.

The Celtics got one starter back for their New Year’s Eve matchup with the Raptors, but their big man in the middle remained sidelined.