Boston Celtics turn 17 triples and 31 assists into a Suns problem at TD Garden

The Boston Celtics moved to 45-23 with a 120-112 finish over the Phoenix Suns, who left TD Garden at 39-29 after the 7:30 PM EDT tipoff.

First quarter

The Boston Celtics opened with 31 points while the Suns answered with 32 points in the first quarter.

The Celtics hit 17 three-pointers on 42 percent shooting from deep for the game, a perimeter number that shaped the Boston Celtics vs Phoenix Suns tactical recap.

The Suns produced 10 fast-break points and finished 3-for-4 on fast-break attempts for 75 percent to keep pace early.

Second quarter

The Celtics posted 34 points in the second quarter after logging 31 assists for the game, a ball-movement figure that stood out in the Boston Celtics post-match stats.

The Suns scored 29 points in the second quarter behind 26 assists in the game as the Valley kept its half-court offense connected.

The Celtics got to 25 made free throws on 93 percent at the line, while the Suns matched 25 makes on 86 percent.

Third quarter

The Celtics scored 26 points in the third quarter while generating 40 points in the paint, including 20 makes on 64 percent inside.

The Suns put up 25 points in the third quarter and totaled 28 points in the paint on 54 percent shooting in that area.

The Celtics finished with 48 total rebounds compared with 46 for the Suns, a narrow margin that limited extra possessions.

Fourth quarter

The Celtics closed with 29 points in the fourth quarter and finished with 39 field goals on 49 percent shooting to steady the last stretch.

Derrick White recorded 21 points and 5 assists in the previous game, and Boston also had a playmaking profile with 31 assists in this Boston Celtics vs Phoenix Suns result analysis.

The Suns had 38 bench points to the Celtics’ 30, and Phoenix also forced 14 Boston turnovers while committing 10.

The Celtics host the Golden State Warriors at TD Garden in Boston on 03/18/2026 at 7:00 PM EDT, with the broadcast on ESPN, NBC Sports Boston, and NBC Sports Bay Area per the listed networks tied to Boston Celtics post-game interviews coverage windows.

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