Thunder cruise past Celtics, 119-96

The Celtics began their 5 game west coast trip with a disappointing but not unpredictable 119-96 loss in Oklahoma City tonight.  Boston has now dropped 4 in a row, and 7 of 8 overall.

With Courtney Lee on his way to Memphis, Keith Bogans actually made an appearance at backup shooting guard, first checking in with 37 seconds remaining in the first quarter and Boston trailing 31-23.  A minute into the second period Bogans nailed a three pointer, his first basket as a Celtic, and probably the highlight of the night for Boston.  Despite 7 first half minutes from Bogans the score was still 51-49 with 3 minutes to go in the quarter, but the Thunder started pulling away and made it 66-56 at halftime.

Boston College product Reggie Jackson was 6-7 from the field and 3-3 from long range for 19 points at the break.  Jackson, who's getting major playing time in the absence of Russell Westbrook, would finish with a career high 27 (previously it was 23) to lead all scorers.

The Celtics kept things within striking distance through the third quarter, and trailed just 94-81 after a Phil Pressey three with 11:21 left in the game.  However, a quick 7-0 run by OKC pushed the lead up to 20 less than two minutes later.

Jeff Green and Avery Bradley had 19 points apiece to pace Boston.  Jared Sullinger fouled out in just 19 minutes of action, but still managed to score 9 points and grab 8 rebounds.

Kevin Durant was very Kevin Durant-like, filling up the box score with a stat line of 21 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, and 3 steals.  Old friend Kendrick Perkins had a good night for the Thunder as well, posting 12 points and 6 rebounds over 26 minutes.  It was a season high scoring total for Perkins, and the first time he's hit double digits all year.

Oklahoma City's 119 points was the most the Celtics have allowed in a game so far this season.

Follow Mark Vandeusen on twitter @LucidSportsFan