Celtics wrap up west coast road trip with loss to Phoenix Suns
The Celtics became the 20th team to fall to the Suns in Phoenix’s last 21 games, losing 111-90 at the Footprint Center Friday night.
Dec 10, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) dribbles amidst Phoenix Suns defenders during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY SportsWrapping up their five-game west coast road trip on Friday night, the Boston Celtics couldn’t overcome one of the NBA’s hottest teams in the Phoenix Suns. The Celtics became the 20th team to fall to the Suns in Phoenix's last 21 games, losing 111-90 at the Footprint Center.
For the second time on this road trip, Jayson Tatum was the Celtics’ primary scorer out of the gate. He had the C’s first eight points, and no other member of the team hit a field goal for the first five-plus minutes of the game. However, the Suns started out hot as a team, and Phoenix led 25-24 at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, the Suns’ offense started to click. Phoenix ended the first half on a 25-9 run, and took a 57-39 lead into the half.
The Celtics were able to stop the Suns from running away with the game in the third quarter. They were even able to close the gap a bit late in the quarter, and went into the fourth down 84-69.
Phoenix quickly got back in control, opening the fourth quarter with a 22-11 run. There was no looking back, and both teams emptied their benches midway through the quarter.
Tatum led scorers with 24 points, shooting 10-of-25 from the floor and 1-of-7 from three. Dennis Schroder followed him with 15 points, and Robert Williams was the only other Celtic in double figures with his 10 points.
The Suns were without leading scorer Devin Booker, but center Javale McGee stepped up with a season-high 21 points to go along with another season-high 15 rebounds. Former Celtic Jae Crowder scored 16, was 4-of-8 from three, and was a rebound shy of a double-double.
With the loss, the Celtics fall back under .500 at 13-14 on the season. They finish this west coast road trip 1-4.
The Celtics now have the weekend off. They’ll return to action Monday, when they host the Milwaukee Bucks. That game tips off at 7:30, with pregame coverage beginning at 7 on 98.5 The Sports Hub.
Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.
