The Boston Celtics hosted the Phoenix Suns for their most recent clash of the 2023-24 NBA season.
The Celtics were the overwhelming favorites to win the game despite missing Kristaps Porzingis.
In Porzingis’ absence, veteran center Al Horford became the X-factor for the organization.
Horford finished the game with 24 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block in 38 minutes of playing time.
The 37-year-old’s three-point shooting hurt the Suns deeply during the matchup.
Horford went off from deep, shooting 6-of-10 from the three-point line.
After the game, Kevin Durant gave Horford his flowers while naming him the crucial factor behind the Celtics’ 127-112 win over the Suns, as revealed via Duane Rankin.
“You got a center making five to six 3s, that’s tough to stop,” Durant said.
"You got a center making 5 to 6 3s, that's tough to stop."
Kevin Durant as Al Horford 6-of-10 from 3 in #Suns loss to #Celtics.
Boston 25-of-50 from 3 to mark most 3-point attempt, makes Phoenix has allowed this season.
"They just know the numbers and just beat us at math." pic.twitter.com/0p8G1VH9Bf
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) March 15, 2024
Durant didn’t sugarcoat the reason behind the Suns’ defeat, as he highlighted the value of having a center on the team with the ability to score from downtown.
The 2x NBA champion credited the Celtics for knowing the numbers game and using it to defeat the Suns.
To put things into perspective, the Celtics finished the night with 25-of-50 shooting from the three-point line.
Following the 15-point loss, the Suns have slipped to a 38-28 record on the season, as they are currently the seventh seed in the Western Conference.
It was one of the games where the Suns were simply outplayed by their opponents, as the team had four players scoring at least 20 points.
NEXT: Bradley Beal Has Clear Message Ahead Of Celtics Rematch