Boston Celtics Down Phoenix Suns in Wild Shootout

Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Just days after being shipped out of Phoenix, Isaiah Thomas returned focused and motivated, as his clutch fourth-quarter play sparked the Boston Celtics to victory. He scored nine points in the final frame, including a monstrous four-point play that sealed the deal in the desert.

The Celtics closed out their three-game Western Conference swing on Monday night with a 115-110 win over the Suns. In triumph, the Celtics snapped a two-game losing skid on the second night of a back-to-back. They’re now 6-5 on the year in such games.

Avery Bradley and Thomas shot the Celtics to victory, combining for 44 points. Thomas added seven assists to go along with his 21 points. Bradley led all scorers with 23 points and shot 3-of-4 from beyond the arc.

For Thomas, it was his second straight 21-point game. His instant offense off the bench is a pleasant addition to a club that was in desperate need of such a player. For Bradley, it was his third straight game with at least 20 points. He’s coming into his own and it’s been huge for the Celtics of late. His confidence has skyrocketed.

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At the half-time break, the Celtics built up a 67-50 lead behind an exhibition of deadly three-point shooting. The Suns were able to climb back into the game in the second half when the shots stopped falling for Boston, but Thomas was not ready to let his former team steal a victory away.

Thomas, playing in his second game as a member of the green team, stepped up and carried the team down the stretch. He was able to create offense off the dribble, penetrate the paint and set his teammates up. His hustle plays off the bench stood out and motivated the guys around him.

Six Celtics finished in double-figure scoring. Jae Crowder impressively posted 12 points and seven rebounds, while Brandon Bass dropped 18 points in just under 30 minutes of floor-time.

Boston played a hard-nosed style, tenacious defense and moved the ball well, resulting in a wholehearted team win. Bradley led the defensive charge with a career-high six steals.

Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight pushed hard for the Suns. Bledsoe tallied 21 points and dished out 10 assists. The newly-acquired Knight finished with 20 points. Center Alex Len put up a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds.

It wasn’t enough for the Suns though, as they could not overcome Boston’s energetic three-point barrage. The Celtics shot 14-of-29 from deep as a team.

Boston’s playoff push continues when they next take to the court on Wednesday against the lowly New York Knicks.