Celtics vs Suns — a highly anticipated NBA clash — saw the Boston Celtics dominate with a 132-102 victory in their lone trip to the Valley this season. This marked Boston’s seventh consecutive win, solidifying their top spot in the Eastern Conference despite the absence of Jayson Tatum due to a sprained ankle. Kristaps Porzingis led with 30 points, while Jaylen Brown added 24, and the Celtics’ impressive 22-of-52 three-point shooting kept them ahead throughout the game.
Meanwhile, the Phoenix Suns, fighting for a Western Conference play-in spot, saw their four-game winning streak snapped. Kevin Durant dropped 30 points, but the absence of Bradley Beal (hamstring strain) left a gap Phoenix couldn’t fill. Boston surged early, leading 73-54 at halftime and extending the margin to 34 points by the third quarter, ultimately showcasing their depth and resilience on a six-game West Coast road trip.
Celtics vs Suns: Injury Report
Both teams entered the matchup without key players. Jayson Tatum was sidelined with a sprained left ankle, missing his seventh game of the season. On the Suns’ side, Bradley Beal was ruled out for the fifth consecutive game due to a hamstring injury. Despite these absences, the Celtics had no trouble handling the Suns.
Porzingis Leads the Charge
With Tatum out, Kristaps Porzingis stepped up in a big way, scoring 30 points and grabbing eight rebounds. He shot 10-of-15 from the field, including 4-of-5 from three-point range, demonstrating his efficiency on the floor.
Jaylen Brown also had a strong performance, adding 24 points, while Al Horford, Jrue Holiday, and Derrick White each chipped in 16 points. The Celtics’ three-point shooting was on fire, with the team hitting 22-of-52 (42.3%) from beyond the arc.
Kevin Durant’s Effort is Not Enough for the Suns
Despite the Suns’ struggles, Kevin Durant put up a valiant effort, leading his team with 30 points on 11-of-16 shooting. However, Phoenix failed to keep up with Boston’s red-hot offense. Devin Booker contributed 14 points and 10 assists, but it wasn’t enough to counter the Celtics’ deep lineup.
The Suns, now 35-38, remain tied for the final play-in spot in the Western Conference with the Dallas Mavericks.
Boston’s Three-Point Barrage
The Celtics wasted no time asserting dominance, opening the game with seven three-pointers in the first four minutes to take a 21-9 lead. They never trailed in the game, showcasing their lethal perimeter shooting.
A 27-6 second-quarter run extended Boston’s lead to 25 points, essentially sealing the game before halftime. The Celtics led by as many as 34 points in the third quarter, proving their championship pedigree.
What’s Next?
The Celtics (54-19) continue their road trip, facing the San Antonio Spurs next. With their dominant form, they are well-positioned to clinch the top seed in the East.
The Suns, on the other hand, have a tough road ahead. They visit the Minnesota Timberwolves next, hoping to hold onto their play-in spot. With Bradley Beal still out, Phoenix needs to regroup quickly.
Final Thoughts
The Celtics vs Suns matchup proved to be a one-sided affair, reinforcing Boston’s dominance while highlighting Phoenix’s inconsistency. If the Suns want to secure a playoff spot, they must find a way to win games against tough opponents down the stretch.