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Iowa basketball duo enjoy career regular-season finales with Celtics, Thunder
TL;DR
On the final day of the 2025-26 NBA regular season, Luka Garza scored a career-high 27 points for the Boston Celtics in their win over the Orlando Magic, while Payton Sandfort set his own career-best with 23 points for the Oklahoma City Thunder in a loss to the Phoenix Suns.
On the final day of the 2025-26 NBA regular season, Iowa basketball icons Luka Garza and Payton Sandfort each registered career-high performances for their respective franchises.
As for Garza, who has been a vital depth force for the Boston Celtics' rise to the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference, he dazzled in their 113-108 victory over the Orlando Magic from Boston's TD Garden. In the game, the former Hawkeye finished with 27 points on 10-for-18 from the floor, 3-for-6 from 3-point territory, and 4-for-4 at the free-throw stripe, to go along with 12 rebounds, one assist, and one steal in 38 minutes.
After being selected with the No. 52 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons, Garza would make stops with the Portland Trail Blazers (2022 Summer League only) and the Minnesota Timberwolves before signing a two-year contract with the Celtics prior to this season.
While Garza's 27-point performance was spectacular in its own right, Oklahoma City rookie Payton Sandfort put on a show of his own by posting 23 points on 9-for-13 from the field and 5-for-9 from 3-point land, with four rebounds and one steal in 28 minutes during the Thunder's 135-103 loss to the Phoenix Suns at Oklahoma City's Paycom Center.
Apr 12, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Payton Sandfort (14) shoots a three point basket against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
For both Garza and Sandfort, each will be operating in different roles for their respective teams as they enter the 2026 NBA Playoffs. However, the two former Hawkeyes represented Iowa basketball well on the league's final regular-season day, as each enters the 2026 NBA Playoffs with the possibility of an NBA Finals matchup if certain scenarios unfold.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa basketball duo enjoy career regular-season finales with Celtics, Thunder
Q&A
What were Luka Garza's stats in the Celtics' final game of the 2025-26 season?
Luka Garza scored 27 points, made 10 of 18 field goals, hit 3 of 6 three-pointers, and had 12 rebounds in the Celtics' victory.
How did Payton Sandfort perform in the Thunder's last game of the regular season?
Payton Sandfort scored 23 points on 9-for-13 shooting and 5-for-9 from three-point range during the Thunder's loss to the Suns.
What impact did Luka Garza have on the Celtics' playoff position?
Luka Garza's performance contributed significantly to the Celtics securing the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference.