Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) drives between Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) and center Jock Landale during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
The Phoenix Suns had a difficult start for the second straight game Wednesday, as the Boston Celtics jumped ahead 69-42 at halftime from Footprint Center.
The second half did not get much better, as the Celtics (21-5) went up by as many as 45 points in a 125-98 route.
The Suns (16-9) missed their first eight shots from behind the arc, and finished the game shooting 8-for-32 from deep.
Turnovers piled up, as well, as Phoenix gave the ball away 18 times
Boston paced Phoenix 31-21 in the opening 12 minutes, and led by as many as 27 points in the second.
There was a moment with the Suns down 12 in the second quarter that looked to be a turning point, but wing Josh Okogie — who had 28 points — missed a layup and the Celtics went on a 12-0 run.
Boston outscored Phoenix 11-2 to open the third quarter squashing any chance of a possible comeback attempt.
The top scoring options for Phoenix struggled to get going against a strong Boston defensive effort, as Devin Booker started the game 2-for-8 and Mikal Bridges 1-for-8.
Phoenix was not helped by Booker getting into foul trouble with four in the first half.
Point guard Chris Paul started after missing 14 games with a heel injury and had four points, four assists and three turnovers.
Meanwhile, the Celtics had five players score in double figures and made 16 three-pointers.
The Suns had won seven of eight games ahead of a loss in Dallas on Monday and have now dropped two straight.
They head on the road to face the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday and Sunday.
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