“This one stings a little bit. Another late-game situation that we could’ve cleaned up. This was a very winnable game,” said Devin Booker following the Phoenix Suns’ 120-112 defeat to the Boston Celtics on March 16, 2026.
Booker led the Suns with an impressive 40 points, but his efforts were not enough to secure a victory in Boston’s TD Garden. The loss marks the second consecutive defeat for the Suns, who had previously enjoyed a four-game winning streak.
Jalen Green, another key player for the Suns, reflected on the team’s performance, stating, “Feel like we did a good job overall. Good fight. We had a couple of lapses, but overall, we were battling.” Despite the commendable effort, the Suns struggled with late-game execution, allowing the Celtics to take control in crucial moments.
The Suns’ current record stands at 39 wins and 29 losses, placing them two games behind the Minnesota Timberwolves for the sixth seed in the Western Conference. This positioning adds pressure as they aim to secure a playoff spot.
In the game, Jaylen Brown of the Celtics had a standout performance, attempting a career-high 21 free throws, contributing significantly to Boston’s success. The Suns, on the other hand, attempted 27 free throws, indicating their aggressive approach to the game.
Jordan Goodwin emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We need it bad. Need all the games right now. Especially a team that’s in front of us in the standings. We’ve got to go get this one.” His comments highlight the importance of upcoming games as the Suns look to improve their standing.
The Suns have faced challenges with late-game execution throughout the season, a trend that has allowed opponents to dictate the outcomes of tightly contested matches. This ongoing issue will need to be addressed as they move forward.
As the Suns prepare for their next matchup, they will aim to regain their momentum and rectify the mistakes that have led to their recent struggles. The focus will be on improving their late-game performance to secure vital wins in the coming weeks.
