By Darryl Harding Sr –
With an injured Devin Booker back in the lineup the Celtics faced a big three on the Suns that had only played 25 games together. Due to a team plagued with injuries the Suns finally had back Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal all on the court at the same time.
Sitting on the cusp of a playoff berth, these last several games have meaning to the Phoenix Suns in order for them to receive a bid to the second season. The Celtics however, with the easiest schedule left in their 17 games, continue to roll and seem to be the team to beat in the Eastern Conference.
Having only three losses at home, Boston has managed to protect home court advantage and it would seem that everything has to come through the TD Garden. Unfortunately the three home losses were all to Western Conference teams and the Celtics hope to be ready to correct this if they’re able to make it to the NBA finals.
Scoring more than 30 points in three out of the four quarters the Celtics duo of Jason Tatum and Jaylen Brown combined for 63 points and would not allow the Suns to gain control. A surprising 24 points from Al Horford, hitting six three pointers, kept the Celtics from relinquishing their lead.
Although Phoenix clearly out rebounded the Celtics 18 turnovers did not help their cause and the Celtics went on to win 127-112. 20 from Durant, 22 from Beal and 23 from Booker were not enough to overcome Celtics onslaught.
The Suns will travel to New Orleans to battle the Hornets on Saturday while Boston travels to DC to face the Wizards on Sunday.