It was a back-and-forth game in the first game back following the week-long All-Star break for the Celtics, but much like the first half of the year the C's fell 100-94 on the road to the Suns Wednesday night. The Celtics are now 19-36 and 8-19 on the road this season.
Phoenix jumped out to a 29-21 lead after the opening quarter, but the Celtics fought back to make it a two-point game at the half. The Celtics actually had a nine-point lead in the third, but the Suns closed the quarter on a 15-1 run and never trailed again. Four of the five Boston starters recorded double figures in points led by Rajon Rondo and Brandon Bass who each had 18, while Jeff Green had 17 and Jared Sullinger added 11.
The Suns were led by Markieff Morris who had 18 points off the bench, while Goran Dragic had 17 in the win.
The Celtics will be back in action Friday night (10:30, CSNNE) in L.A. against the Lakers.
What they'll be saying: Something to monitor in the second half for the C's is their defense as in many of their losses they allow their opponents to shoot a strong percentage from the field, which was the case in Wednesday's loss as they allowed the Suns to shoot 44 percent from the floor. Phoenix was also able to push the tempo of the game leading them to 30 fast break points compared to just eight for the C's. Thursday is the NBA trade deadline, where it would not be surprising to see the Celtics make a deal or two.
