Celtics’ late fourth-quarter run exposes Suns’ biggest weakness in loss

This time, it came against one of the NBA’s best teams.

Mar 16, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) drives to the basket against Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) during the first half at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

The Boston Celtics closed the game with a decisive late surge on Monday, defeating the Suns 120-112 behind a dominant fourth-quarter performance from Jaylen Brown. Brown scored 18 of his 41 points in the final period as Boston erased Phoenix’s late lead and seized control the rest of the way.

The collapse followed a similar pattern to Phoenix’s loss two days earlier — a defensive breakdown late in the game that allowed the Toronto Raptors to rally for a 36-point fourth quarter. Against Boston, the issue was familiar.

The Suns entered the fourth quarter within striking distance but struggled to generate consistent offense, while the Celtics found their rhythm. Phoenix managed 26 points in the quarter, but Boston’s 29 — highlighted by an 8-0 run — proved enough to take control and close out the game.

Mar 16, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) attempts a shot against Boston Celtics guard Baylor Scheierman (55) during the first half at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

Phoenix’s offensive imbalance has become increasingly clear over the last two games, especially as the team has leaned heavily on its star backcourt.

Devin Booker and Jalen Green carried much of the offensive load, combining for 61 points in the loss, with Booker’s 40 leading the team. However, outside of that duo, the scoring depth has been inconsistent.

Role players who typically provide spacing and secondary offense have struggled to produce in recent games. On Monday, only two other players scored in double digits. Contributors like Royce O’Neale, Collin Gillespie, and Jordan Goodwin were largely quiet.

Mar 16, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) drives to the basket against Phoenix Suns forward Oso Ighodaro (11) during the second half at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

Defense was also an issue.

Boston’s offense accelerated behind Jaylen Brown’s isolation plays and transition bursts — areas Phoenix struggled to contain. Missed perimeter shots and stalled possessions prevented the Suns from slowing Boston’s momentum in the closing minutes.

The result? Another fourth-quarter swing that turned into a late defeat.

BOOM! JALEN GREEN 💥 pic.twitter.com/qhohCo49cX

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) March 17, 2026

Back-to-back collapses have hurt Phoenix’s ability to gain ground in the playoff picture. At 39-29, two games back of the No. 6 seed and the margin for error continuing to shrink, games like these represent missed opportunities that could loom large down the stretch.