What We Learned From Suns' Loss to Celtics

The Phoenix Suns battled throughout and nearly came out on top.
What We Learned From Suns' Loss to Celtics
What We Learned From Suns' Loss to Celtics /

PHOENIX -- The Phoenix Suns are now 37-27.

Phoenix failed to secure what would've been a massive win last night against the Boston Celtics - falling by a score of 117-107 after cutting the Celtics' lead to as little as three late in the game. 

Boston ultimately received more timely contributions from the supporting cast compared to Phoenix - while the Suns relied heavily on the star duo in Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. 

The most positive sign from the loss is the Suns were in a position to steal a game from the best team in the NBA while both missing a superstar in Devin Booker and receiving less-than-optimal outputs from key role players. 

Royce O'Neale had his worst game as a Sun on the offensive side of the ball. Grayson Allen failed to recreate the magic of 16 three-point hits in the two games before this loss. Drew Eubanks was a team-worst -18 in eleven minutes on the court. 

The silver lining is that while role players can tend to be volatile, Allen has been a model of consistency all season. O'Neale was a positive on the floor despite a rough shooting night, and Eric Gordon is bound to have high-level performances down the stretch. 

Add in Booker's imminent return - perhaps as soon as Monday against the Cleveland Cavaliers - and the Suns' top eight can match nearly any other team across the association. The supposed major weakness of the team - defense - has become somewhat of a strength. The offense has an array of elite shot creators and starters. The coaching staff appears to be on a similar page now, too.

Maybe Phoenix isn't as far away as was thought last week after two losses to the Houston Rockets within a week of each other. 

Despite the loss, this Suns team still has the ability to surprise the basketball world - and bring a title to Phoenix.


Published
Kevin Hicks
KEVIN HICKS