PHOENIX – When the Phoenix Suns and Boston Celtics meet without their headliners, the spotlight doesn’t dim; it shifts. The Suns came in without Devin Booker or Dillon Brooks. The Celtics came in without Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown. In reality, it’s a stress test of organizational identity. Phoenix has fought hard though, and are only down at 50-46 halftime to the Celtics.
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Feb 24, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen (8) against the Boston Celtics in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Phoenix found early lift from Royce O’Neale, who opened a perfect 3-for-3 from deep, spacing the floor and forcing Boston’s second unit to extend coverage. Meanwhile, Collin Gillespie drilled 2-of-3 from three, proving that readiness is currency in games like this. That efficiency keeps undermanned teams afloat.
Feb 24, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta (88) against the Phoenix Suns in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
But this contest hasn’t just been about shot-making. Questionable whistles have disrupted the rhythm. How the Suns process that frustration with body language, defensive rotations, and late-clock execution is the real question. For Suns fans, this is about depth charts and trust. Nationally, it’s about contender DNA. Championships aren’t secured by stars alone; they’re stabilized by infrastructure. Depth shooting swings games, and emotional control sustains them. Nights like this reveal which franchise principles transfer into playoff basketball.
Feb 24, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix guard Grayson Allen (8) against the Celtics in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
