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'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

(Newser) – 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.

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)
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)
Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash, right, dishes off the ball in front of Boston Celtics' Kendrick Perkins, left, during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game on Friday, Feb. 22, 2008, in Phoenix.  (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash, right, dishes off the ball in front of Boston Celtics' Kendrick Perkins, left, during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game on Friday, Feb. 22, 2008, in Phoenix....   (Associated Press)
Phoenix Suns forward Amare Stoudemire, right, shoots over Boston Celtics Glenn Davis, left, during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game on Friday, Feb. 22, 2008, in Phoenix.  (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Phoenix Suns forward Amare Stoudemire, right, shoots over Boston Celtics Glenn Davis, left, during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game on Friday, Feb. 22, 2008, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)   (Associated Press)
Boston Celtics forward Kevin Garnett, left, shoots against the Phoenix Suns Amare Stoudemire, right, during the third quarter of an NBA basketball game on Friday, Feb. 22, 2008, in Phoenix.  (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Boston Celtics forward Kevin Garnett, left, shoots against the Phoenix Suns Amare Stoudemire, right, during the third quarter of an NBA basketball game on Friday, Feb. 22, 2008, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick...   (Associated Press)
Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash, center, shoots between Boston Celtics Tony Allen, left, and Kendrick Perkins, right, during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game on Friday, Feb. 22, 2008, in Phoenix.  (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash, center, shoots between Boston Celtics Tony Allen, left, and Kendrick Perkins, right, during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game on Friday, Feb. 22, 2008, in Phoenix....   (Associated Press)
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