Jayson Tatum contributed 29 points, while Jaylen Brown added 27, propelling the NBA-leading Boston Celtics to a 117-107 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Saturday night.
Despite entering the game on a rare two-game losing streak, falling to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Denver Nuggets, the Celtics managed to avoid a third consecutive loss and improved their overall record to an impressive 49-14.
Acknowledging the challenges of maintaining perfection, Tatum emphasized the team’s resilience in responding to setbacks, highlighting the importance of bouncing back after defeats.
Following a day off in Phoenix on Friday, where they indulged in golf and enjoyed the sunny desert weather, Tatum noted how the team used the break to recharge and refocus, which ultimately contributed to their return to winning form.
The Suns, missing injured All-Star Devin Booker, were led by Kevin Durant’s remarkable performance, scoring a season-high 45 points on efficient shooting. Despite Durant’s efforts, the Suns couldn’t overcome Boston’s dominance, with Bradley Beal contributing 25 points and Jusuf Nurkic adding 11 points and 11 rebounds.
Brown’s 18 first-half points helped the Celtics establish a 62-50 halftime lead, which they maintained throughout the second half, never relinquishing their advantage.
Although the Suns staged a comeback in the third quarter, cutting Boston’s lead to three points, the Celtics responded with timely plays, including crucial 3-pointers from Payton Pritchard and Al Horford, securing the victory.
Boston’s bench, particularly Luke Kornet and Pritchard, provided valuable contributions, with Kornet scoring 14 points on efficient shooting and Pritchard adding 10 points, while also making an impact on the defensive end.
Despite missing Kristaps Porziņģis due to hamstring tightness, the Celtics showcased their depth and resilience, overcoming the absence of key players to secure the win.
For the Suns, Coach Frank Vogel expressed pride in his team’s effort, acknowledging their spirited performance despite missing crucial opportunities early in the game.
As the Suns continue to jostle for playoff positioning in the competitive Western Conference, Vogel emphasized the importance of maintaining urgency and focus, aiming to secure a spot in the top six to avoid the postseason play-in tournament.
