Celtics Vs Suns: Boston Locks Down Phoenix 97-81 Behind Third-Quarter Tear
The latest celtics vs suns meeting ended in a 97-81 win for Boston in Phoenix, a result defined by a dominant third quarter and a lopsided rebounding margin that extended Boston's recent run of wins. The Celtics' defensive effort and balanced scoring kept Phoenix off the boards and out of rhythm in a game that carries significance for both clubs' immediate schedules.
Celtics Vs Suns: Third-quarter surge decided the game
Boston trailed or was close at halftime, holding a 50-46 lead at the break, but took control in the third quarter by outscoring Phoenix 30-11. That stretch included a 16-0 run and left the Suns with just 11 third-quarter points overall. Phoenix managed only 35 points in the second half.
Key Celtics contributors and stat lines
Derrick White paced the Celtics with 22 points. Neemias Queta recorded a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds. Sam Hauser added 16 points on 6-for-14 shooting, including 4-for-10 from 3-point range. Baylor Scheierman finished with 11 points and 11 rebounds. The win extended Boston's streaks: it was the team's fourth win in a row and their ninth victory in the last 10 games.
Suns lineup issues and performance struggles
Phoenix was shorthanded and struggled offensively. The Suns were missing Devin Booker (right hip strain) and Dillon Brooks (left hand fracture); those two players combined average nearly 46 points per game. Another guard, Jordan Goodwin, was also out. Collin Gillespie led the Suns with 15 points and added 3 assists in 27 minutes. Grayson Allen scored 14. The Suns shot under 40% from the floor overall and under 40% from 3-point range.
Defense, rebounding and role players
The Celtics dominated the glass, outrebounding Phoenix by 27, 61 to 34, a margin that amplified second-chance opportunities and limited Phoenix possessions. Role players contributed: Ron Harper Jr., making the second start of his NBA career, finished with 8 points, 5 rebounds and 1 block. Boston's starters Sam Hauser, Neemias Queta, and Baylor Scheierman all scored in double figures.
Context: recent form and standings impact
After the 16-point win, the Celtics have won nine of their last 10 games and remain perfect against the Pacific Division with an 8-0 mark. Boston's record against Western Conference teams stands at 14-6, the best mark among Eastern Conference squads. The final score, 97-81, reinforced Boston's recent defensive consistency; opponents have been held to 100 points or fewer in eight of the team's last 12 games.
What’s next for both teams
The Suns will host the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night. The Celtics, listed at 38-19, will look to remain perfect on their four-game road trip out West when they face the 36-22 Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night. Schedule details and availability for each team may evolve.
Note: This game recap was produced with automated technology and third-party game data; details are drawn from game statistics and team injury reports available at the time of publication.
