Celtics Wrap: Boston’s Cold First Quarter Leads To Loss Vs. Suns

BOSTON — The Boston Celtics came up short after a cold start against Phoenix Suns, 106-94, on Friday night at TD Garden.

The Celtics fell to 37-16 while the Suns improved to 28-26 on their season.

Check out the full box score here.

ONE BIG TAKEAWAY
When the Celtics faced the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night, Boston had its way from the very start.

However, this wasn’t at all the case against Phoenix. As opposed to their 46-point jaw-dropping quarter just a couple nights ago, the Celtics dug themselves an early hole after they only managed to connect on eight of their first 22 shot attempts in the first quarter.

Overall, the C’s were notably sluggish to start the contest. That marked the Celtics’ lowest-scoring opening frame since Dec. 27 (22 points) versus the Houston Rockets. Meanwhile, the Suns weren’t surprisingly impressive themselves. But Phoenix countered on windows of opportunity that the Celtics would provide through their mistakes, turning 14 Boston turnovers into 16 points.

And that would only increase Boston’s difficulty of overcoming a Suns team that entered the night winners in six of their previous eight games.

Jayson Tatum didn’t do Boston any justice and registered an uncharacteristic performance, shooting just 3-of-15 from the field with seven 3-point misses.

STARS OF THE GAME
— Jaylen Brown, who was fresh off his second career All-Star selection Thursday night, showed just why he was added to the reserves list. He totaled a game-leading 27 points with seven rebounds and four assists for the Celtics.

— Derrick White contributed 13 of his 19 points in the second half to go along with five rebounds in 34 minutes on the floor.

— Mikal Bridges led the Suns with his 25-point showing to go with a pair of rebounds and three assists.

WAGER WATCH
DraftKings Sportsbook set Al Horford’s over/under rebound total at 5.5 with -120 odds on the Over. It only took three quarters of work for the 36-year-old veteran to hit that mark as Horford finished the night with nine rebounds in 28 minutes. A $100 bet on Horford would’ve resulted in a $183.33 total payout.

UP NEXT
The Celtics return to action Monday against the Detroit Pistons on the road. Tipoff from Little Caesars Arena is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.