The Boston Celtics fell to the Phoenix Suns by a final score of 100-91 on Sunday afternoon at Talking Stick Arena. This game was tightly contested throughout its duration, but a huge third quarter propelled the Suns to victory.
Celtics
Boston was without impactful players once again with Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown inactive due to injury. As a result, role players needed to step up in a major way. Jayson Tatum lead the way with 23 points, but he had a rough shooting day with 8-22 from the field. Four other players scored in double figures. Grant Williams with 10, Kemba Walker with 14, Daniel Theis with 12, Jeff Teague with 10. Payton Pritchard with 12. Throughout the entire game the Celtics struggled to shoot the basketball. Shooting 35% from the field and 38% from arch. They continue to struggle playing defense, giving up yet another 100 points. Payton Pritchard really helped this team out, and gave the Celtics a special energy and spark. The Celtics Fall to 12-10 on the season.
Suns
Mikal Bridges lead the Suns in scoring with 19 points on 8-13 shooting. The Suns continued to show why they are one of the better defensive teams in the league by holding the Celtics to just 35% shooting. The Suns had four guys in double figures. Deandre Ayton with 16 points and 11 rebounds, followed by Chris Paul with 15, Devin Booker with 18, Cameron Johnson with 17. Overall a great performance by the Suns with a great defensive effort and great ball movement, being really difficult for the Celtics to play against. It improves the Suns to 13-9 on the season.
Takeaways/Final Thoughts
- The Celtics miss the impact of Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown
- Tristan Thompson continues to be a force on the glass
- Payton Pritchard was a huge spark off the bench and was definitely today’s best player
- Kemba Walker really struggled Shooting 4-20 and 14 Points
- Daniel Theis continues his strong play adding 12 points on 5-9 shooting off the bench
- The road trip and injuries might be getting to the Celtics
The Celtics drop there 10th loss of the season. They will look to get back on track on Tuesday night in Utah to wrap the 5 Game Road Trip.