The Celtics win four straight; beat Phoenix 87-79 to go back over .500

The Celtics kept the streak going, winning their fourth straight by beating the Phoenix Suns 87-79.

This game almost seemed to be heading in the same direction as the previous game against the Knicks in terms of physicality with Rondo getting into it with former Boston College star Jared Dudley. The two were bumping and shoving off each other as Rondo tried to receive an inbound pass.

The referee had to separate them twice before the ball came in. Rondo finally got the ball, dribbled up court and Dudley gave him a body check like a true BC Eagle. Guess Dudley wanted to show how happy he was the NHL was back.

Boston (18-17) looked to be on their way to blowing out the Suns holding a 12 point lead at halftime. But coming out of the half, the Celtics were flat and Phoenix (12-25) was amped up. The suns went on a 17-2 run to start the third quarter and took a three point lead.

The score stayed close until the fourth when the Celtics went back up by double digits and didn't look back.

Jeff Green had a good game on the anniversary of his heart surgery, finishing with 14 points, including back-to-back dunks.

Jared Sullinger was the player of the game with 12 points and a game-high 15 rebounds. He had a +/- of +24. Rondo had eight points and eight assists, Garnett chipped in with 10 points, five rebounds and a couple blocks, Paul Pierce finished with seven points and seven rebounds and Jason Terry had 13 points.

For Phoenix, Dudley had 14 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, Marcin Gortat finished with 12 points and 14 rebounds and Luis Scola had 16 points and eight rebounds.

Other Notes


The Celtics are now 11-6 at home.

The bench outscored the starters 47-40.

Phoenix outrebounded the Celtics 47-42

Neither team could shoot the three: Boston 3-14 Phoenix 2-12

The Celtics (18) had more fast break points than the Suns (17). Just goes to show how different this team is now without Nash and D'Antoni.

The Celtics next game is against Houston on Friday where they will go for win number five. Depending on how the game against the Hornets goes tonight, the Rockets could be coming to Boston on a six game winning streak.