By Darryl Harding Sr –
In the absence of Devin Booker, one of the Phoenix Suns key producers, the Celtics were able to maintain their winning stature and get back on track. Even with the absence of Kristap Porzingis, the Celtics were able to outscore the Suns with points in the paint.
Surprisingly even with Kevin Durant scoring 45 and Bradley Beal with 25 the Celtics were able to put on a show of offensive prowess, outscoring Phoenix in all but the third quarter. Although starting slow, Jason Tatum managed to become Celtics High scorer with 29 Points with Jaylen Brown close behind at 27.
Comfortably filling in for Porzingis, Luke Kornet contributed 14 points and helped with inside rim protection. Derrick White with 10 points and nine assists helped in keeping the Celtics in control and in the lead.
Boston’s 15 made 3-pointers helped offset Kevin Durant’s 45-point game high total, “They made big plays,” said Durant, “when we tried to close the gap so you got to give them credit.” The Celtics were victors in this game but defense is going to have to be substantially solid in order to stay victorious once Devin Booker returns.
Celtics continue their Road trip traveling to Oregon to face the Portland Trail Blazers while the Suns travel to Cleveland to face the Cavaliers on Monday night.