Celtics end losing streak by beating NBA-best Phoenix Suns
Coming off of one of their most disappointing losses of the year, the Celtics responded with arguably their best win. The C’s dominated the Phoenix Suns – owners of the best record in the NBA – in a 123-110 win at TD Garden Friday afternoon.
After dueling with the Suns early on, the Celtics went on the offensive tear that has been eluding them for the last few games. They closed the quarter on an 18-4 run, hitting four of their eight three pointers after going 4-of-42 last time out. Boston held a 32-20 advantage through 12 minutes.
The Celtics continued to storm ahead in the second quarter. They put together a separate 18-2 run, and ended up with their biggest halftime lead of the season up 67-41 at the break.
Phoenix started to show some fight coming out of halftime. The Suns went on a 16-4 run, and it looked like the Celtics’ issues playing ahead were going to show up once again. However, the C’s were able to get their momentum back, and used an 8-0 run of their own to re-extend the lead. It was 100-77 Boston heading into the fourth quarter.
In the fourth quarter, the Celtics were again tested with and proved they would withstand a late charge to protect a lead. The Suns had a 10-2 run, and at one point got the score back within 13, but the C’s were able to hold them off.
Robert Williams starred for the Celtics in this one, picking up his first career triple-double. The Celtics’ starting center had 10 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists.
Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart tied with a game-high 24 points, with Brown adding 11 rebounds for a double-double. Jason Richardson had 19 off the bench, with Romeo Langford adding 16.
With the win, the Celtics improve to 17=19 on the season. They also snapped a three-game losing streak.
The Celtics’ homestand continues on Sunday, when they host the Orlando Magic. That game tips off at 6 p.m. with pregame coverage beginning at 5:30 on WROR and the Celtics Radio Network.
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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.
