This left Celtics fans feeling both worried and relieved.
They were worried about Irving's injury and how the team's season would ultimately turn out.
But they were relieved that even with Irving sidelined by injury, the team had managed to keep its record up thanks to its twin stars.
So far, the Celtics had maintained a record of 48 wins and 23 losses, good for second in the Eastern Conference.
Facing a Celtics team like this, the Thunder took the court at full strength for the first time in a while.
On the evening of March 20, at TD North Shore Garden Arena.
The Thunder players made a dazzling entrance.
In their previous game, they had lost to the Raptors in a way that left them especially frustrated.
The whole team had been carrying a grudge ever since.
What a coincidence—the Celtics were an Eastern Conference team, too.
One was first, the other second.
So why not collect a little interest at your expense first!!!
Soon, the game began.
Little Sabonis and Baynes jumped for the ball.
The Thunder got the first possession.
Westbrook caught the ball Little Sabonis had tipped back to the backcourt and dribbled slowly up the floor.
Though Irving was out with an injury, the young Rozier was just as capable.
The 16th pick in the 2015 draft, he had put together an impressive season in his third year in the league.
Last season, overshadowed by Isaiah Thomas, he had averaged only 5.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.8 assists.
This season, he had made significant progress, averaging 11.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists. He had been especially impressive in the two games since Irving went down.
He had put up 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists in one game, then 21 points, 5 rebounds,