Celtics Vs Suns: White, Queta spark 97-81 win in Phoenix
In the celtics vs suns matchup on Feb. 24, 2026, Derrick White scored 22 points and Neemias Queta had 14 points and 13 rebounds as the Boston Celtics used a dominant third quarter to beat the Phoenix Suns 97-81 in Phoenix.
Third quarter surge decided the game
Boston trailed by four at halftime, 50-46, but turned the game with a 30-11 third quarter that included a 16-0 run. The Celtics' run erased the Suns' halftime lead and created a margin Phoenix could not overcome, producing the final 97-81 score.
Key contributors and stat lines
Derrick White led Boston with 22 points. Neemias Queta finished with a double-double, 14 points and 13 rebounds. Sam Hauser shot 6 for 14 overall and 4 for 10 from 3-point range to add 16 points. Baylor Scheierman had 11 points and 11 rebounds. On the Phoenix side, Collin Gillespie scored 15 and Grayson Allen added 14.
Board advantage and momentum
The Celtics outrebounded the Suns by 27, a 61-34 advantage on the glass that underpinned Boston's control after halftime. That rebounding edge helped fuel second-chance opportunities during the third-quarter run that swung the game decisively.
Celtics Vs Suns: absences and injury notes
Boston played without All-Star Jaylen Brown, who was ruled out for the contest with a right knee contusion after being listed questionable on Monday. Brown did not show signs of injury during Sunday’s game, a 111-89 win over the Los Angeles Lakers in which he played 36 minutes and led Boston with 32 points.
Brown, 29, entered the game having played 51 games this season and averaging a career-high 29. 2 points, 7. 0 rebounds and 4. 9 assists per game. The coverage noted Brown sits on the periphery of the MVP discussion, and that LeBron James said after Sunday’s game he did not understand why Brown wasn't getting more consideration for the award. The report also noted that, given Boston's back-to-back with a Wednesday game against the Denver Nuggets, it was possible the team sought extra rest for Brown.
Phoenix missing top scorers
The Suns were also shorthanded. Devin Booker did not play because of a right hip strain and Dillon Brooks missed the game with a left hand fracture. Those two players combine to average nearly 46 points per game. Phoenix lost for the fourth time in its last five games and entered the contest with a 33-25 record coming into the matchup.
Immediate aftermath and schedule
The Celtics’ victory was their fourth straight and their ninth win in the last 10 games; Boston’s record stood at 37-19. The Suns will host the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night. Boston is scheduled to play the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday following the Tuesday game.
The created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
