'Big Three' Drop Third Straight

Re-fueled Suns make easy work of Celtics 85-77
By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff
Posted Feb 23, 2008 5:43 AM CST
'Big Three' Drop Third Straight
Phoenix Suns forward Shaquille O'Neal shoots over Boston Celtics' Kendrick Perkins during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game Friday, Feb. 22, 2008, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)   (Associated Press)

With two straight losses behind them, and the offensive heavyweight Phoenix up next, the once-unbeatable Celtics focused on defense. Boston managed to hold the Suns to just 85 points, but 39% shooting led to a season-low 77 points, and a season-first third consecutive loss. "Tonight we were bad," coach Doc Rivers told the Boston Herald.

The victorious Suns cruised on Amare Stoudemire's game-high 28 points and 18 from Steve Nash. Phoenix also enjoyed a combined 27 rebounds from Grant Hill and newly acquired Shaquille O'Neal. The Diesel, still getting used to Phoenix's faster pace, collected only four points, but nonetheless proved crucial. “Shaq’s presence, I thought, really changed the game," Rivers admitted. (More NBA stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X