What We Learned From Suns' Loss to Celtics

The Phoenix Suns battled throughout and nearly came out on top.

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.