Regardless of the records and places in the standings, don't expect to see the Boston Celtics oversee the Phoenix Suns when the teams meet at TD Garden on Friday night. It was just two and a half weeks ago when the Suns scored five points in the last four seconds and shocked the Celtics in Phoenix.
Isaiah Thomas put up 35 points that game, but he missed a free throw with 11.9 seconds left and then turned the ball over. Amateur Tyler Ulis picked it up and drained a 3-pointer at the timer to give the Suns a 109-106 win.
A-lists Player Injured Causing Teams Fall
The Celtics lost the game with an injured Al Horford and Avery Bradley, but both have returned and are coming in strong.
Boston (46-26) marks the Cleveland Cavaliers (46-24) by just one game for the Eastern Conference lead. The Celtics lead the Washington Wizards (43-28) by two and a half games for the second spot.
Celtics In Tight Situation In Comeback Game
The Celtics overcome the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday for the 12th win in their past 13 home games. The Friday competition is the second game of a six-game homestand that features some playoff race.
"It's going to be good for us," said Bradley, who played 39 minutes Wednesday, another sign he is over the Achilles problem that obliges him to miss most of January and February. The Suns (22-50) are rebuilding 1-8 since that win over the Celtics; they lost their sixth in a row Thursday at Brooklyn. Phoenix blew an early 15-point shortfall and coiled up taking a 126-98 beating.
Earlier, general manager Ryan McDonough took to the frequencies in Phoenix about the fate of coach Earl Watson, rumored to be an entrant if the UCLA job becomes available. Watson is in the first year of a three-year contract.
On Thursday night, Devin Booker scored 28 points and Marquese Chriss 23, but the Suns gave up 74 points in the second half as their record clear-cut to 9-27.
